Teenager Wang fires 10 birdies to take 54-hole lead in Qinhuangdao

QINHUANGDAO, CHINA — Chinese Taipei's Wang Wei-hsuan fired 10 birdies, including a stretch of six in a row, and overcame two double bogeys to shoot a 6-under 66 to secure a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday at the Qinhuangdao Championship, the fifth event of this year's PGA TOUR Series-China.

Building on an opening 69, Wang fired back-to-back 66s at Qinhuangdao Poly Golf Club to move to 15-under, one shot ahead of American Matthew Negri (67), and Canada's Myles Creighton, who shot a 65, the low score of the day.

Still a teenager, the 19-year-old Wang turned pro in January and is playing in just his second event as a professional. He made his pro debut at last week's Beijing Championship after he Monday-qualified into the event and went on to tie for 19th, which earned him direct entry into this week's field.

Saturday, Wang opened with a birdie before firing a spectacular six consecutive birdies, starting at No. 4, to card a 7-under 29 on the front nine. Things quickly changed as Wang made back-to-back double bogeys on holes 10 and 11 but regrouped with birdies on 12, 15 and 18.

Wang started playing golf when he was seven and is leading a pro event for the first time. He admits he will have to hold back nerves as he looks to hold on for the win.

"[Sunday] will be my first time competing in a leading group since turning pro. I think I'm going to be nervous, but I'm going to try my best to prepare myself and not think about it too much," said Wang. "If I can keep to the same strategy and play like I did the front nine again tomorrow, anything can happen, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Justin Hicks, a former PGA TOUR player, carded a 67 to share fourth, at 11-under, along with compatriot and second round leader Luke Kwon (71) and Thailand's Suteepat Prateeptienchai (68).

Leading the charge for Chinese mainland is Zhang Jin, who shot a 67 to lie in solo seventh, while Jin Cheng carded a 68 and is tied for 10th with three others.