Hong Kong golfer cards flawless eight-under 62 to lead the Link Hong Kong Open 2026 at 14-under, with American Caleb Surratt three strokes behind.
HONG KONG: Home favourite Matthew Cheung moved closer to a historic triumph after opening up a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the US$2 million Link Hong Kong Open yesterday.
Cheung carded a flawless eight-under-par 62, featuring an eagle and six birdies, to reach 14-under 126 at Hong Kong Golf Club.
The 31-year-old is chasing the first victory by a Hong Kong player in the tournament’s 65-year history.
American Caleb Surratt also fired a 62 to sit second on his own, while India’s Anirban Lahiri, England’s Steve Lewton and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond shared third place on 10-under.
Lahiri, who began the day in front after an opening 62, returned a 68, while Lewton shot 65 and Jazz carded 67 on the Composite Course.
Cheung has enjoyed one of his best seasons since turning professional in 2019 and is relishing the support from the home crowd. “The crowds out there have been phenomenal. The support from friends, family, and people I don’t know honestly, has been great as well,” he said.
“We’re only halfway through the tournament, so hopefully another two good days, and we’ll see where we are.”
The Hong Kong golfer credited his improved putting, helped by switching to a long putter this year, alongside the guidance of his coaches Jon Wallett and Mark Smith, and the support of his wife and child.
Currently 35th in the Asian Tour Order of Merit, Cheung finished joint runner-up at the Taiwan Glass Taifong Open in May and was part of Hong Kong’s bronze-medal team at the 2023 Asian Games.
Surratt, meanwhile, produced an extraordinary round featuring 11 birdies, a double bogey and a bogey. The highly rated 22-year-old, who has recorded three runner-up finishes and a third-place result on the Asian Tour, credited his mental approach for keeping him in contention despite not having his best control of the ball.
He also plans to keep wearing his Hong Kong Golf Club cap after buying it before his round, joking that it might have brought him luck.
Hong Kong’s best finish in the tournament remains Dominique Boulet’s fourth place in 1996.
Cheung now has two rounds to make history on home soil, with the champion earning an invitation to next year’s Masters Tournament at Augusta National, while the leading player not already exempt will secure a place in The 155th Open at St Andrews.