Lee, Lee and Levy lead the way in China

Luiten lurking in the Monday morning mix

Thunderstorms have thwarted play during the Shenzhen International in China (21-24 April) leaving a trail of unfinished rounds to be completed the following day as players had to be swiftly moved off the course at Genzon Golf Club. It’s been a confusing tournament, to say the least. All credit to the players and the European Tour for coping with all the disruptions.

On Sunday morning, the weather-delayed third round also had to be completed. An early start saw leader Soomin Lee from South Korea stand on the 17th tee with a 5-shot advantage. Disaster struck as the 22-year old, who is in search of his first European Tour title, made a double-bogey on the par 5, his first dropped shots of the tournament, and so shrink his lead to three.

It was Englishman Callum Shinkwin who stormed up the leaderboard in round three. He had already made five birdies on the back nine when he eagled the 17th to come home in an incredible 29 shots. He carded a 62 to get to 12-under for the tournament. Joining him in second place: Lee Slattery (England) and Alexander Levy (France).

Early Monday morning finish for storm-battered tournament

England’s Lee Slattery, winner of the Russian Open and runner-up in the KLM Open last season, now tops the leaderboard in an exciting 3-way tie with Soomin Lee at 14-under par with five holes still to play in the final round in Shenzhen. Frenchman Alexander Levy also has a share of the lead with six holes to go.

A seriously on-form Joost Luiten, who was runner-up in Spain last week, has also been making his mark in China. The 30-year old from Rotterdam is just one shot behind the leaders after opening with rounds of 68-66-72 and playing a solid final round in the trying stop-start circumstances. He is currently 3-under for his round through 15. The Dutchman will resume play tomorrow, Monday, on the 16th green where he marked his ball before the horn stopped play for the umpteenth time in Shenzhen. All that remains is a putt for par to stay at 13-under for the tournament. From there he’ll be looking to blitz the closing holes with birdies just as he has done in his previous three rounds at Genzon Golf Club. He is joined at 13-under par by Scott Hend and Brandon Stone, with twice Masters Champion, Bubba Watson one shot further back.

Come rain or shine, the stage is set for a thrilling, very early Monday morning in Shenzhen. Play resumes at 06.30 hours local time.

Wendy Hoad