05 June 2021: Wu Ashun will have got used to early starts after a recent new arrival in the family and he fired an excellent 69 after going out in the first group of the day to put himself right in contention after round one of the 2021 Porsche European Open. Later on Thomas Detry took a one-stroke lead with a fine 68. Shubhankar Sharma had a miserable day, conceding six strokes in five holes early in his round, on his way to a 6-over 78. The round was still in progress at the time of this report. Ajeetesh Sandhu played some brilliant golf for an even 72 to finish the day in T22. He made four birdies and came home to seven straight pars, just after making three birdies in four holes at the turn.
Ashley Chesters, Alexander Bjork and David Law also shot 69 for a tie in second with Wu Ashun.
The Chinese got his week under way at 7.30am in the company of Min Woo Lee and carded four birdies and a single bogey to get to three under.
After a bright start to the season, Wu missed almost two months of European Tour action as a new baby and quarantine restrictions kept him at home.
He looked as if he had never been away with a 59 Watch and a course record 61 at the Gran Canaria Lopesan Open but the three time European winner admits the 2021 Race to Dubai has been a logistical challenge.
“It’s tough for me this year because I have a baby, four months old,” he said. “After that I’ve been back to China and need to quarantine too.
“I had to skip a couple of tournaments and then come back to play but I was strong and got ready to compete in tournaments again.”
I was strong and got ready to compete in tournaments again
This week’s test at Green Eagle Golf Courses is widely regarded as one of the toughest on the European Tour but Wu is relishing the challenge in front of the fans in Hamburg.
“I’m very happy to come back to play the Porsche European Open here,” he said. “The course has changed a little bit, some holes.
“It’s a good design and good change. The golf course set-up was perfect, it’s the best. I like playing here.
“I was in the first group today with Min Woo, I’m happy to have played with him – four birdies, one bogey, it’s a good start.
“I think the set-up is more difficult than before. A lot of people are saying the same thing. If you find a fairway and find a green, you’ll have a good score.”
