Levy bids to hold off teenager Li at Volvo China Open

Alexander Levy is aiming to retain his Volvo China Open title in Shanghai this week but can expect a strong challenge from emerging homegrown teenage star Li Haotong.

The 24-year-old Frenchman clinched his maiden title at the tournament last year when it was held in Shenzhen, but will be battling Chinese No 1 Li to clinch the top prize in the $3.2 million event when the pair tee off together in the marquee grouping on Thursday.

Levy could become the first man to retain the title in the 21-year history of the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the European and OneAsia tours, at the 7,296-yard, par-72 Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.