Alexander Levy returns to happy hunting ground in China

Levy won his maiden DP World Tour title at Hidden Grace Golf Club – formerly Genzon GC – in 2014, carding a course-record 62 in the second round on his way to a four-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood.

The 33-year-old also tasted victory at Topwin Golf and Country Club in 2017 and reached a career-high 46th in the world rankings following his most recent DP World Tour title in Morocco the following year.

Levy was sidelined from February 2022 to January last year with a back injury and lost his card at the end of the season, but is rebuilding his game on the Challenge Tour and travelled to Shenzhen on the back of four straight top 10s.

"I'm really pleased to be back in China," Levy said. "I have amazing memories here because it gave me my first win on the DP World Tour.

"I realised that it's been 10 years since my first win two days ago. It's a good anniversary. I love this place and I'm happy to be here. I'm looking forward to some more good energy this week.

"For sure, my game is back and I'm playing with confidence. After my injury, it was not really easy. Last year was tough but I'm proud of the way I have been able to manage myself and perform this year on the Challenge Tour especially.

"This week the goal is to enjoy my golf and do the best I can. I have decided that I will play the full season on the Challenge Tour but it is nice to be back on the DP World Tour and we will see what can happen.

"Golf is so special, so we don't know what the future is."

Former champion Li Haotong is one of 47 Chinese players in the field for the final event in the Asian Swing, after which the top three players in the rankings will secure a place in the US PGA Championship at Valhalla.

Sebastian Soderberg is in pole position after finishing second in each of his last two starts, with fellow Swede Jesper Svensson in third place behind Japan's Keita Nakajima.