HAIKOU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- 2019 China Tour golf tournament kicked off on Thursday in Bo Ao, South China's island province of Hainan.

143 players from 16 countries and regions are here vying for six world points and a total prize of about 100,000 U.S. dollars.

The 72-hole pole race will be held in four days from April 18 to 21. The first six competitors will receive world points to help them stand out in the competition for Olympic qualifications in their respective countries.

So far, Australian golfer Maverick Antcliff led the tournament, followed by Chinese golfer Xiao Bowen, who is the winner of the Asian Championship in 2017 and the third player to win the Asian Tour in Chinese history.

China Tour is a national B-level tournament sponsored by China Golf Association with its own brand. After 14 years of inheritance, it has officially entered the international mainstream tournament and has an independent golf world score.

The competition is sponsored by China Golf Association, Hainan Tourism and Culture, Radio, Television and Sports Hall, and co-sponsored by Hainan Golf Association.