Stenson holds slim lead after opening round in Shanghai

2008-11-06

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By Andrew Mullen Special to PA SportsTicker

SHANGHAI, China (Ticker)—Henrik Stenson carded a superb opening round 7-under-par 65 to claim a slender clubhouse lead at the HSBC Champions on a wet opening day in Shanghai.

Stenson started the season-opening European Tour tournament in disappointing fashion with a bogey at the par-4 first hole, but responded by picking up five shots in six holes - highlighted by an eagle at the par-5 second after converting from five feet.

He reached the turn at 5-under and played a solid back nine, picking up two shots over his last three holes in deteriorating conditions to take his place atop the leaderboard, a stroke ahead of Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, Adam Scott and defending champion Phil Mickelson.

“It was a good day, especially because I haven’t been playing very good lately, especially with the longer clubs,” Stenson said.

Garcia, who can overtake Mickelson as the world No. 2 with a top-three finish this week and a poor performance by the American, carded a flawless 66.

Currently ranked third, Garcia had an ideal start with a solid front nine of 2-under 34 before coming home in with a 32, including back-to-back birdies to start the back nine, to move to 6-under overall as the weather closed in and made visibility tricky.

The Spaniard had a chance for an eagle at the last but, after hitting a five wood from 230 yards to four feet, watched as the putt lipped out and was forced to settle for a closing birdie.

“It was a solid round. I played well and hit the ball good,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately my putting stroke did not feel as good as it has lately, maybe due to the jet lag.”

Ryder Cup winner Kim, who has taken up affiliate membership of the European Tour in 2009, reached the turn in 32 after also carding an eagle at the second before a mixed back nine of 34 left him a shot off the pace alongside compatriot Mickelson.

“It was a very good day for me,” he said. “It is only my fourth day of golf in about 3 1/2 weeks because I have been under the weather as I injured my ankle and my jaw.”

Zimbabwe’s Marc Cayeux and Englishman Oliver Wilson are tied for third at 5-under after signing for first rounds of 67 while a chasing pack of six players sit another stroke back at 4-under.