Striking birdie keeps Liang ahead of Westwood, Poulter

Dalian - Liang Wenchong thrilled his fans at Red Flag Valley in Dalian by sinking a long, breaking birdie putt on the 11th hole of the Shui On Land China Golf Challenge to stay ahead after day four of the week-long, seven-city tournament.

Following three holes at the stunning 36-hole golf resort, which celebrated its grand opening in the morning, China's top player was 2-under-par and one clear of World No 2 Lee Westwood and fellow Englishman Ian Poulter in the unique 18-hole event.

Rory McIlroy fell further back as the US Open champion again found trouble to lie 7-over, but the lively banter and camaraderie continued as the group flew past the halfway mark of its tour of China.