Date: October 16, 2008
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Aussies in contention

Although they couldn&apost match the brilliant Lu Wei-chih, the Australian contingent has made a good start to the China Classic. While Lu carded a stylish seven-under-par 64, six Australians are just three shots off the lead in a tie for sixth place at four-under. Australia&aposs Mitchell Brown, Andrew Dodt, Henry Epstein, Terry Pilkadaris, Richard Moir and Jason King all carded opening rounds of 67 and are well placed to make a run at the Lu during the second round. But none of the Australians could match Lu, who shot seven birdies on his opening nine to make the turn in an impressive 29, before signing for a seven-under 64. “I&aposm very happy with my score today,” Lu said. “My swings and tee shots were all very good today and I hope to continue this good form, going into tomorrow&aposs round.” Lu&aposs Chinese Taipei compatriot Hsu Mong-nan is one shot off the lead at five-under, while Scotland&aposs Simon Dunn together with Korea&aposs Noh Seung-yul and Park Jun-won are a further shot adrift in a share of third place. First round scores from the China Classic: (par 71) -7: Lu Wei-chih -6: Hsu Mong-nan -5: Noh Seung-yul, Park Jun-Won, Simon Dunn -4: Henry Epstein (Australia), Martin Rominger, Terry Pilkadaris (Australia), Kong Wei-Hai, S. Siva Chandhran, Richard Moir (Australia), Mitchell Brown (Australia), Lam Chih Bing, Andrew Dodt (Australia), Rhys Davies, Jason King (Australia), Chen Yuan-Chi