Ricardo Santos is firmly in contention after Round One of the Foshan Open, firing a five under par round of 67 to share second place after the first morning at Foshan Golf Club.
The Portuguese came into this week’s tournament in good form, after two top 15 finishes in his last three events on the 2016 Road to Oman.
Knowing how important a strong showing can be in the final weeks of the European Challenge Tour season, the 34 year old was thrilled that he was able to make a fast start in southern China.
“I played really solid again and I think I just missed two greens today,” he said. “For the rest of my round I played really well fairway to green and I am overall very happy with my performance.
“I dropped a shot on the 12thwith three putts, that happens sometimes, so I would say that apart from that my game is looking in really good shape.
“I think we were very lucky today with the weather, as it was a perfect morning – maybe only slightly too warm. But it is very good to play in these conditions – much better than the rain and the cold.
“It is my first time here in Foshan and I feel that my game suits the course. I have been playing really well over the last couple of weeks. There have been a couple of mistakes here and there, but if I can eliminate those I think I will have a chance.”
Joining Santos on five under par this morning was Scotland’s Ross Kellett, New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and Spain’s Alvaro Velasco.
Setting the early pace is Sweden’s Pontus Widegren, who carded five birdies in his first six holes before going on to sign for a six under par round of 66.
