Zhou, who also grew up in the town of Yangliuqing, is in good form after finishing fourth in Tianjin two weeks ago and will play in Saturday’s final flight with Xing and Wu, his best friend and former China National Team colleague.

　　“I’m really lucky to play with Wu because it feels just like our practice rounds for the national team, which makes me feel relaxed. It will be great playing with him for a third day,” said Zhou, who shot his first-ever bogey-free round on the opening day.

　　“Today I was more erratic, with six birdies and six bogeys, which shows what can happen if you’re in the wrong part of the green. I will continue to try to take my chances at the weekend, but saving par is just as important.”

　　Wu, 27, won last year’s season-opener in his first tournament as a pro and is now looking to add the Tour’s season-ending event to his CV.

　　“After winning my first trophy in Nanjing, I really want to win another and it would be great to win the Omega Championship. I’m playing well and I’m happy with my position in the field. It should be a lot of fun playing with Zhou Jun again and Xing Xiaoxuan.”

　　Chinese Taipei’s Chan started off on the back foot with a double-bogey on the par-four second, but responded with four birdies to make the turn in two-under, before picking up two bogeys and a birdie on the second nine.