By Matt Smith
It was looking good for former Dubai Desert Classic winner Li Haotong  after hitting s 63, but Ricardo Gouveia birdied two of his last three holes to spoil the party at the 2022 Dutch Open.

Li had played nine holes in just 29 blows for the second time this season as he carded a brilliant 63 to set the target at nine under at Bernardus Golf.

The Chinese star famously denied Rory McIlroy the 2018 Dubai Classic title, and he has work cut out once again.

Li would lead the way after 36 holes but Gouveia made a move with an eagle on the 12th and then produced his big finish to get to double figures after a 66.

Gouveia is looking to re-establish himself on the DP World Tour after regaining his card as he finished second on the European Challenge Tour last season.

The Portuguese topped the Challenge Tour Rankings in 2015 and enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, earning himself a place in the field at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

Englishman Matt Wallace was at eight under after a 67 alongside Pole Adrian Meronk, who carded a 68.

After his round, Gouveia said: “I just played very solid from the beginning, I holed a few good putts today again, I think that was the key, and kept it in play so when I missed a few shots I was able to recover well.

“I made a lot of birdies so far and I think that shows my putting has been good the last couple days and I hope I can continue into the weekend.”

Li added: “I put every ball in safer places and created a lot of birdie chances from there. I need to be myself and stay calm, and hopefully I can shoot another couple rounds like this.”

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