Australia's Marchesani, Singapore's Quek share clubhouse lead in Haikou

Marchesani played a full season on the PGA TOUR Series-China in 2018 after he earned full membership by winning the unofficial Clearwater Bay Open in 2017, which also happened to be his first pro victory. He went on to finish 36th on the Order of Merit a year ago.

Despite opening with a double bogey, Marchesani was able to bounce back and card seven birdies and three bogeys to finish the day with a well-deserved 2-under.

"I didn't have a great start, but I hung tough and putted really well. I gave myself a lot of chances inside 10 feet and was able to come in with a 2-under, so I'm happy about that," said Marchesani, who is hoping to play the first hole a little better on the weekend. "Hole 1 has really gotten me this week. I lost a ball today, and I had a three-putt double (bogey) yesterday, so I'm planning on not making any more doubles on that hole over the weekend."

Did you know that James Marchesani played in 10 events on the 2018 PGA TOUR Series-China season? He made eight cuts and recorded two top-10s.