Wu, the overnight co-leader, booked his spot for a second straight year through qualifying. His round included four birdies and three bogeys.

"My strategy today was to play steady, which was different from last year because last year I was trying to catch up. Finishing first or ninth in the qualifying is the same," the 34-year-old Liaoning native said.

"I think this course is easier this year as well. On one hand, the weather is better. On the other hand, the course was really firm last year. Playing in the Volvo China Open again this year I need to improve mentally. I feel like I'm still not strong enough in that aspect."