Overnight co-leaders Liu Yanwei and 17-year-old amateur Ding Wenyi could not build on their early advantage with scores of 74 (+2) and 73 (+1), respectively. 

Despite the blustery conditions, Ding is just three shots off the lead in joint fourth on two-under, while Liu Yanwei is a shot further back in a four-way tie on one-under.

Jason Hak Shun-yat, who currently sits second on the China Tour Prize Money Ranking List, added a 69 to his opening day's 73 to move alongside Ding on two-under with 36 holes to play. Ranking leader Zhang Huilin shot a level par 72 to stay on three-over-par and tied in 20th position.

The player who ends the season at the top of the 2020-2021 Ranking List will automatically receive full playing rights for the 2022 DP World Tour.

It was a disappointing day for two-time DP World Tour winner Li Haotong whose second round 75 (+3) included two double bogeys to leave him in a tie for 11th place, six shots off the pace on one-over-par.

With the cut made at nine-over-par, 61 players will compete over the final two rounds to determine China's National Open Championship. The third round of the Volvo China Open will get underway at 8.30 am on December 18.

Now in its 27th consecutive year, the Volvo China Open is the season finale of the 2021 China Tour and the longest-running professional golf tournament on the Chinese mainland.