Soderberg maintains strong recent form to share first-round lead at the China Open

Sebastian Soderberg of Sweden maintained his impressive form by shooting a bogey-free 9-under 63 to take a share of the first-round lead at the China Open on the European tour on Thursday. Romain Langasque of France was tied for the lead after also being bogey-free around Hidden Grace Golf Club in Shenzhen, with his round including seven straight birdies from No. 16 after starting at the 10th hole. Li Haotong, the 2016 winner from China, was a shot back from the lead after finishing his round with three straight birdies to be on 8 under.