Ye, the energetic 16-year-old prodigy, is looking to continue his outstanding record on the Tour, which includes a runner-up finish in April’s Kunming Championship and a fourth in last year’s Sofitel Golf Championship.

　　“My irons were great and gave me a lot of birdie chances. My short putting was very steady, although my long putts weren’t so good. The greens are difficult because they’re so big and undulating – and quick,” said Ye, a student at Shenzhen Nanhua High School.

　　“I’m here with the National Team, although I also have a personal goal for the week, which I don’t want to reveal.”

　　Other National Team players also impressed. Long-hitting David Wei Wei and Huo Wei both shot 71, while Kevin Huang Wenyi and 16-year-old Zhao Xiongyi posted 72. Andy Liu Yuxiang, a saxophone-playing 14-year-old, shot an 82.

　　The Luxehills Golf Championship was rescheduled from its original June dates following the Sichuan Earthquake on May 12. Zhang Lianwei and Li Chao, who have won 14 of the 23 events held since the circuit started in 2005, are competing in this week’s Omega European Masters on the European Tour.