Mikko Ilonen of Finland equaled the course record with a 9-under-par 63 to take a three-shot lead after two rounds of the China Open on Friday.
Another record-setter, 12-year-old amateur Ye Wocheng, missed the cut at 14 over, but Chinese compatriot Dou Zecheng became the youngest at 16 to make the tournament cut with a 2-under-par total.
A day after becoming the youngest player on the European Tour, Ye was headed back to his Dongguan school with a pair of 79s. But the disappointment among local fans was offset by the achievement of Dou, the amateur who was two above the cutline with scores of 70 and 72. “I am happy with my scores, and feel excited to make the cut, so I will enjoy my game through the weekend,” said Dou, who plans to travel to America and attempt to qualify this month for the U.S. Open. “I am not thinking too much about my score, just try my best, and get some more experience.”
Ilonen birdied four of his closing five holes in a 12-under tally to move clear of Australia’s Brett Rumford and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who recorded 67 to be tied for second.