Colsaerts holds sway in China Open

Nicolas Colsaerts produced a third-round 66 to reach 18 under par at the China Open at Luxehills International Country Club.

Overnight leader Jamie Donaldson, of Wales, failed to capitalise on his sparkling 61 yesterday as he slipped to fifth with a 70, but 22 players are within six shots of the lead.

Colsaerts, of Belgium, showed his power in Chengdu as he played the four par fives in five under par courtesy of an eagle at the first and three birdies.

“An eagle on the first was the best start I could have hoped for,” said the world number 175. “I’m not sure if I’m the only one but I hit driver over the river and tried to give myself the shortest line in.

“I holed from 25 feet and it was the best start. On 18 I probably hit the best drive of the day – it was a bit down and went off to the left.

“The wind changed the course dramatically today. You had to think more about certain tee shots. The other days you could pretty much go at every pin and the ball would stop where it landed. With these greens you always want to be on the right side but it was harder with it being dry.”

Chang-won Han led after day one when he opened with a 64 but a second round 70 had dropped him out of the top 10.

The former Asian amateur champion was in top form once again though as he birdied five of his first seven holes en route to a best-of-the-day 65.

The 19-year-old, playing only his second event as a professional, was delighted.

“I played perfectly today – some good shots and good putts,” he said. “I took confidence from my putting today. When I missed shots I made the putts, that helped my round.”

Ireland’s Peter Lawrie and France’s Gregory Havret are tied for third after both carded 68s to advance to 16 under.