Sebastian Söderberg in solo lead heading into the weekend

Sebastian Söderberg closed with a 9-under 65 marred by a single bogey to retain the solo lead by three shots at 16-under at the Volvo China Open.

“It’s important to focus on my own game and not worry about how others are doing. It’s going to be a mental challenge over the weekend for sure,” said Söderberg.

“I feel pretty confident with my game at the moment, but obviously the pressure will be a lot higher with me at the top of the leaderboard heading into the weekend. I really need to keep my emotions in check and hopefully I can get over the line.

“I know what it takes to win out here and I’ve been in contention over the last two weeks. I’m going to stay as calm as possible.”

The Swede leads the Asian Swing Rankings which concludes on Sunday after finishing second at the Hero Indian Open and the ISPS HANDA Championship. The top-3 will earn a place in the PGA Championship if not otherwise exempt.

England’s Paul Waring also shot a 65 to move into second place at 13-under.

“I’m very happy with my first 36 holes,” said Waring. “I’m driving it great and my wedges have been good. There are a lot of birdie chances out there if you can get it in play off the tee and hit your wedges close.”

Italy’s Guido Migliozzi carded a 67 to take third place at 12-under followed a further shot behind by Switzerland Joel Girrbach (67), Spain’s Adrian Otaegui (66) and the Czech Republic’s Gordon Brixi (68).

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