Lee Westwood - the new world number one - has started his new reign at the Sheshan International Golf Club showing his intent – despite his self-proclaimed rustiness - to card an opening round of 66 at the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions to hold second spot and one stroke ahead of Seung-yul Noh of Korea, Henrik Stenson of Sweden and Yuta Ikeda of Japan.
Francesco Molinari of Italy leads after a 7 under par round in an error free eighteen holes round in Shanghai carding seven birdies in total.
In Westwood’s wake on day one are the main challengers for his newly acclaimed world ranking title with Tiger Woods signing for a 68, Phil Mickelson three under after a 69 and Martin Kaymer one level par – after a bogey on the last.
Yuta Ikeda of Japan recovered from a poor start to take the early lead - on 5 under - after he bogeyed his opening two holes - the tenth and 11th. But then bounced back with a birdie and then an eagle two at the par four 13th - before picking up another shot at the 16th - to reach the turn in 34 and finish in 67 shots.
Padraig Harrington – almost forgotten in the new world order – carded a two under par after five birdies were undone by three bogeys on holes 8, 9 and 13.
Rory McIlroy finished one under par with two birdies and one dropped shot on his card coming on the last hole - the par four 9th.
Graeme McDowell was two over par after making the turn level but dropped three shots - on 10, 11 and 12 - with only two birdies on the final stretch to reach the club house on 74 for the day.
