Masters Contender Faces Challenges Beyond Augusta National’s Greens

Haotong Li battled a stomach ailment while playing the second round at Augusta. He followed a one-under 71 with a 69 and sits tied for seventh.

Illness and pre-round struggles

Li said he was queasy after multiple trips to the toilet overnight. He arrived at the course with little energy and skipped much practice.

Late-round rally

He began with a birdie on the second hole but dropped shots at four and seven. Li then birdied 13 after avoiding Rae’s Creek with his second shot.

He nearly holed out for an eagle on the par-4 14 and converted a short pitch for birdie on 15. Li added another birdie at the par-3 16 after a near ace.

Leaderboard position and perspective

After 36 holes he is eight shots behind leader Rory McIlroy. As a Masters contender, Li faces challenges beyond Augusta National’s greens, including health setbacks and limited preparation.

He said the round left him feeling better and credited the major’s atmosphere for lifting his spirits. Reporting from Augusta for Filmogaz.com.