Thursday 2 May 2019 13:35, UK
English duo Ross Fisher and Jordan Smith both made bogey-free starts to get within two strokes of the early lead at the Volvo China Open.
The pair both carded five birdies to post opening-round 67s at Genzon Golf Club and stay in touch with leading trio Tapio Pulkkanen, Jorge Campillo and David Lipsky.
Lipsky mixed eight birdies with a sole bogey and Pulkkannen birdied four of his last six holes to also get to seven under, while Campillo followed up his maiden European Tour victory in Morocco last week by posting a blemish-free 65.
"If I can keep playing like this and making the putts it will be a good sign. I'll play to my best tomorrow and hopefully have a chance on the weekend," Campillo said.
Campillo made a fast start by following three birdies in his first seven holes with a long-range gain at the ninth, before firing a stunning approach to six feet at the par-five ninth and making an eagle to turn in 30.
The Spaniard made a superb recovery to save par at the 11th after finding trees off the tee, before picking up another shot at the par-four 17th to move in to a share of the advantage.
2015 champion Wu Ashun is a shot further back alongside compatriot Jin Daxing and American John Catlin, while home favourite Haotong Li is in the group of eight players two off the pace, including Fisher and Smith.
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Former Ryder Cup star Victor Dubuisson recovered from playing the first three holes in three over to birdie seven of his next 15 to card a four-under 68 and sit three off the lead, while defending champion Alexander Bjork opened with a two-under 70.
Watch the Volvo China Open throughout the week live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Friday from 6am on Sky Sports Golf.
