Li has emerged as China's best hope for a long-awaited break into the top ranks of the men's game, and he looked it in Shanghai. Playing alongside one of his idols, Phil Mickelson, the world number 59 didn't drop a shot on his front nine and cruised home to a one-shot lead at Sheshan International Golf Club.
A posse of golfers including former Masters champion Adam Scott of Australia and last year's winner in Shanghai, Xander Schauffele, were two strokes back of Li.
Li, 24, became the first Chinese men's golfer to break into the world top 50 a year ago, and is seeking his first PGA Tour win.