Levy’s 62 takes him into the lead
The world number 282, in his second season on the European Tour, raced into a four-shot lead after posting the course record at the Genzon Golf Club in Shenzhen with some blistering scoring.
Levy carded eight birdies and an eagle in a blemish-free round which catapulted him into contention.
“It is a great round for me. I played unbelievably — it’s the first time I have played like that,” the 23-year-old said.
Levy began the day with a par at the par-four 18th to complete an opening round of 68 which was curtailed by bad light on Thursday.
But he was quickly into his stride for round two and a 25-foot eagle putt at the ninth capped an outward half of 30 which included four birdies. He picked up further shots at the 10th, 12th, 14th and 17th to post 14 under for the tournament.
World number 303 Adrian Otaegui is one stroke behind after a 66, fellow Spaniard Alvaro Quiros third on nine under after a 68 and Levy’s friend and compatriot Raphael Jacquelin one back following a 67.
England’s Ian Poulter looked to be mounting a challenge to the leader as he reached the 12th at six under for the tournament but then had a mini-meltdown. A double bogey at the 205-yard par three was bad but worse was to follow at the next with a triple-bogey eight after an incorrect drop cost him two shots.
That left the Ryder Cup winner nearer the cut mark than the top of the leaderboard and another dropped shot at the 16th edged him closer to the exit door, only for a birdie at the par-five next to secure his place as he closed with a 74.
Meanwhile, James Sugrue (Mallow) won the Munster Youths Amateur Open Championship in fine style at Dungarvan Golf Club yesterday afternoon with an astonishing finishing round of 68.
Peter McKeever of Castle Golf Club finished second. Third was Matthew McClean (Barrmoral) and Mark MacGrath (Limerick) was fourth.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
