Ali upbeat despite poor finish

YASIN ALI admitted he let an opportunity to take a first-round lead in the Volvo China Open slip out of his grasp. But the young Englishman was not too downbeat about an opening effort of 70 which kept him well in contention at the Shanghai Silport Golf Club.

Only 14 of the 156-strong field broke par as blustery conditions, combined with deep rough and firm greens, made low scoring difficult.

A poor start from Ali was soon forgotten as the 25-year-old recovered from bogeying the opening hole to bag birdies at the fourth and seventh from two and four feet respectively.