Yang first woman to make cut on China Tour

　　Chengdu-born Yang Taoli overcame the stress of her family’s suffering in the Sichuan earthquake to become the first woman to make the cut on the Omega China Tour, shooting an even-par 72 at the Shanghai Championship to lie joint 23rd on five-over-par.

　　First-round leader Chen Xiaoma shot a 71 to remain in the lead on seven-under-par, two ahead of in-form Fan Zhipeng, who shot a best-of-the-day 66 at the Orient (Shanghai) Golf and Country Club.

　　Deng Yuchao, Yang’s playing partner, was third after a 70 put him two-under, one ahead of defending champion Li Chao and Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Mong-man, who shot 73 and 71 respectively. Alex Wu Ashun and Liao Guiming shot 70 and Ryan Huang Yonghuan a 71 to go even-par.

　　However, the leading men were overshadowed by the event’s leading lady, whose composed performance under the stress of the tragedy in her native province was beyond her own expectations and drew a barrage of media attention.

　　Yang’s family in Du Jiang Yan, northwest of Chengdu, have been living in a tent since their home was damaged in Monday’s earthquake.

　　“I miss being with my family a lot at this time, but I’ve turned these feelings into motivation to play well and make them proud,’ the 24-year-old said.

　　“Mum, Dad, I’m playing in Shanghai, but when I finish, I’m coming straight home,” she added as she spoke directly to television cameras.