Published: 10:03, April 26, 2026
Otaegui has second China Open title in sight
By Xinhua
Adrian Otaegui of Spain plays his second shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Jan 18, 2024. (PHOTO / AP) 

SHANGHAI -- Adrian Otaegui put himself within reach of his second Volvo China Open title on Saturday when the UAE-based pro blitzed the field to shoot a nine-under 62 for a one-shot lead at the event.

Through three rounds at Enhance Anting Golf Club, Otaegui, who won the tournament two years ago in Shenzhen, was 16-under 197 at the tournament, a DP World Tour and China Tour co-sanctioned event.

Starting the day five shots off the lead, Otaegui was on from the start with a birdie at the first, followed by a chip-in eagle two at the 348-yard fourth hole. After his lone bogey of the day at the fifth hole, he then reeled off five consecutive birdies from the seventh hole.

He would finish strongly with a chip-in birdie from off the green at the par-three 16th, and scrambling for another birdie at the 614-yard last.

"I'm very happy with the way I finished, the way I stayed patient," said Otaegui who was making no predictions for tomorrow's final round.

"You know how golf is, every day is different. My game's good. I've been playing good. I have been putting well and I am confident. All I want to do is keep going, keep doing the same and give myself a chance for tomorrow," he added.

Austrian Bernd Wiesberger, the overnight co-leader, was a shot back after a three-under 68. South African Shaun Norris, the other overnight co-leader shot even-par 71 to sit four shots off the pace. Spaniard Alejandro del Ray (70), the first-round leader, was five shots back.

Wiesberger was alone atop the leaderboard for much of the day as his fifth birdie of the round on the par-five 10th got him to 16-under. He would then fall a shot behind Otaegui, who was playing several groups ahead, when he three-putted the 420-yard 15th hole. He would shoot par for the final three holes.

"It's going to be a fun day tomorrow. Adrian is a great player and obviously had a good day today. I'm playing well, so I'm looking forward to getting out there again tomorrow. Hopefully I start as good as I did today and leave it all out there," Wiesberger said.

Jin Zihao (71) and Peng Bo (68) were the top Chinese in a group of six players eight shots back. Defending champion Wu Ashun (70) was a shot further back.