Shubhankar Sharma starts strong in Hainan Classic

Hainan

India’s Shubhankar Sharma began the Hainan Classic on the DP World Tour with a solid 3-under-par 69 at the Blackstone Course, Mission Hills Resort in Haikou, Hainan Island. After missing the cut in last week's Shanghai event, Sharma is now tied for 17th as Round 1 wrapped up early on Friday.

Sharma was 2-under through 14 holes when play was stopped on Thursday. On resumption, he added an eagle and a bogey to finish with a 69. His steady performance follows a disappointing 82 in the first round of the Volvo China Open, where he had bounced back with a 69 but missed the cut.

China’s Haotong Li leads the field, firing a 6-under-par round. Li, who has now recorded 14 sub-70 rounds in his last 19 appearances, scored seven birdies and just one bogey. He shares the top spot with Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan.

Aphibarnrat had eight birdies and two bogeys, while Reitan’s card included five birdies, one eagle, and a single bogey. Seven other players ended the day at 5-under-par.

Sharma’s recent form has been mixed. Before Shanghai, he made the cut in four consecutive events, including the Hero Indian Open and the Magical Kenya Open. His bounce-back in Hainan reflects resilience and improved play.

As the tournament progresses, Sharma will aim to maintain his form and climb the leaderboard. With a good start already in hand, he has a chance to finish strong and regain consistency on the DP World Tour.