Li Haotong was delighted to see a strong Chinese presence at the top of the leaderboard as he and countryman Wu Ashun moved right into contention heading into the weekend at the KLM Open.
The two have flown the flag in fine style in recent years, with Wu winning the Volvo China Open in 2015 and Li making it double delight for the home fans by lifting the trophy 12 months later.
Wu's victory at the Lyoness Open powered by Sporthilfe Cashback Card in 2016 made it the first time two Chinese players had won in a single European Tour campaign, and Li became the first player from the country to enter the top 50 in the Official World Golf Ranking when he won the 2018 Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
With two wins each, the duo currently share top billing as the most successful Chinese players in Tour history, and Li would delighted for one of them to make it three this week.
“It is great to have me and Ashun at the top of the leaderboard,” he said. “It would be great to see more of the China flag at the top of the leaderboard in the future.”
Wu was in the box-seat after two days at The Dutch, leading by three shots from Jonathan Thomson and sitting four ahead of Li who carded a second round 66.
The 23 year old carded six birdies and a bogey and was happy to find some form after recent injury problems and a missed cut at the Omega European Masters.
“I am very happy after today as it was tough out there,” he said. “Compared to the morning it was a lot windier and cold so I am very pleased with how I managed to finish the round today.
“The back nine is a lot tougher when the wind picks up here. Holes number ten, 11 and 12 were very hard with the wind and how I handled that stretch today was great.
“I have been struggling with my game over the last few weeks but it seems to be coming together this week. Hopefully I will have a low weekend.”
