Unknown Chinese star Haotong Li surges into Open contention with seven-under 63 at Birkdale

UNKNOWN Chinese golfer Haotong Li surged into contention at the Open with a blistering final-round 63.

But amazingly it was just several weeks ago his mum had to wade into a pond to pick up a putter he had thrown in there in a fit of rage.

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Li, 21, finished with four straight birdies to set the clubhouse lead on six under.

His storming finish would have been enough to tie the lowest round ever in a Major had it not been for Branden Grace’s 62 yesterday.

Li’s flawless seven-under round started slowly with seven consecutive pars before he picked up shots at eight and nine.

A birdie two came at the 12th before he blitzed the final four holes to give leaders Jordan Spieth and Matt Kuchar something to think about.

Li’s storming finale – described as “really special” by playing partner and four-time Major champ Ernie Els – was in stark contrast to his meltdown at the French Open last month.

It was during the first round that he lobbed his broken putter into the drink.

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But his mum chased in after it and gave him a telling off for losing his temper.

Li's closing 63 could prove to be a good omen.

Henrik Stenson fired the same score in the same round last year to life the Claret Jug for the first time.