Haotong Li continued impressive form at BMW International Open to maintain lead after round two

Image credit: BMW Group

Haotong Li continued his impressive form at the BMW International Open by following up his new course record 10-under-par carded yesterday, with a solid 67 to remain at the head of the leaderboard.

The 26-year-old Chinese golf star leads the way on day two on 15-under-par. Ryan Fox who shot a wonderful 64 moved into second place just one shot off the lead.

Germany’s Max Kieffer (-10) carded a round of 66 at Golfclub München Eichenried to climb into third place behind Daan Huizing (NED, -11). LIV Golfer Martin Kaymer (-6) is back in the clubhouse in 14th place after an even-par round.

Image credit: BMW Group

Haotong Li said: “It was similar to yesterday. A fresh start for me again and another good day in the office, which is very pleasing.

“I’m feeling great. I think I’ve only missed two cuts this year. It’s been working, especially off the tee, I’ve improved a lot and it’s back to where I was. I just need to keep griding, keep improving and showing up.

“I was feeling the pressure on the last few holes. Hopefully I can just play my golf and keep calm.

“To be honest, I didn’t drive the ball as well as yesterday. My short game was okay. It depends when you get in the rough, the lie could be really bad, or it could be good. Sometimes you just need luck.”

New Zealand’s Ryan Fox said: “I’m really happy. I did everything right the last couple of days and my short game has been really tidy – that’s been a big positive. I don’t think I’ve ever gone bogey-free for 36 holes. I’m happy and in with a chance over the weekend again.

“(Li’s score) proved there was a low number out there. We had a really nice group, I really enjoyed playing with Billy and Tom. We got it going for a while and fed off each other. It’s nice to be up there and shoot a decent score today and be there or thereabouts for tomorrow.

“I had a couple of really good shots just before the rain delay and I was really disappointed we stopped. Obviously we had no choice, it was pretty dark out there. It was a little scratchy the first couple of holes coming back, but I made a nice birdie on 11 and then a 35-footer on 14, then hit some good shots coming home after that. It took a little more to get the rhythm back, but I was happy that the half-scratchy shots I hit were still not that bad. That’s what golf’s about right? It’s not how good your good is, it’s how good your bad is, and my bad has been pretty good the last couple of days.

“It would mean a lot (to win). There’s a lot of good names on this trophy and a lot of good names playing this week. It’s the goal over the weekend, there’s a lot of golf to be played though, so we’ll see what happens.”

German golfer Maximilian Kieffer said: “It was an awesome day. I drove it well and was a bit more aggressive today with the irons, which paid off. The greens were still soft so you could still go for the pins and I holed a few nice putts as well, which always helps.

“(The hot start) was very important. Yesterday was a great day with the albatross. When I went to bed I still had some adrenaline, so I didn’t sleep great. I was a little bit tired, I am a little bit tired today, so it was nice to get off to a good start. It keeps you going and gets some positive juices flowing, so the start was very important.

“It was distracting. I felt like I’d won the tournament yesterday with just one shot. It was a little bit distracting, but we are all professionals and I managed to control my emotions very well. Not only this week but the last couple of weeks, which is really key. You always have emotions, you just have to deal with them and control them. I’m always going to remember that, it was such an awesome day but I’m also glad I had a good round today.

“I played really well those two weeks (2021 Austrian Golf Open and Gran Canaria Lopesan Open). I felt like I could do whatever I wanted and still hit good shots. I’ve been in a position a lot of times. Obviously a home tournament it’s always different, but the main thing is just to deal with whatever emotions you’re going to get. It’s a big week playing at home, but I’ve been in the leading group in Germany before.

“Wherever I am after today, it’s going to be an awesome weekend and I’m going to have to control my emotions, be aware of them and just enjoy the whole thing.”