Howell on course in China
David Howell was relishing life among the pacesetters after firing himself into early contention following the first round of the TCL Classic in the Chinese resort of Hainan.
The world number 14 – who he defeated Tiger Woods in last year’s HSBC Champions tournament – shot an eight-under-par 64 around the Yalong Bay Golf Club on a day when the course record was bettered by two golfers.
China’s Liang Wen Chong and Edward Loar of the United States lead the standings at the end of the first round after both hit 10-under-par 62s, giving them a one-shot advantage over South African Warren Abery, Joakim Haeggman of Sweden, and Australia’s Andrew Buckle, with Howell a further shot back.
The Englishman – who heads the European Order of Merit – stands alone in fifth place, one shot ahead of defending champion Paul Casey, Ireland’s Stephen Browne and Angel Canete of Argentina following a day of low scoring.
“It is nice playing in a tournament when you are one of the better players,” said Howell.
“There are a lot of good players here and any win on the tour is very difficult, but I did say to my caddie, Mick, that this is the kind of tournament I should be contending in.
“You can never guarantee it, but I am pleased with my start and if I am going to have the career I want, this is the sort of tournament I will be looking to win. But that is easier said than done.”
With the wind rarely rising beyond a light breeze, scoring conditions at the course on the South China Sea coast were at their optimum as an unlikely 106 players out of the 155-man field broke par in the opening round.
Howell teed off at lunchtime, just as Casey and Abery were completing their rounds.
But the 30-year-old refused to be overawed by the nature of the scoring in the day’s early play.
“I was not too concerned with the conditions, but it does put more pressure on when you see 10 under on the board,” said Howell.
“You know if you shoot 72 you are almost out of the game straight away.
“That is why I was pleased to get off to a fast start. I suppose I would have been more stressed a few years ago but I know what to expect nowadays after 10 years on Tour and the times of getting stressed on what is leading on Thursday morning are long gone.”
The surprise of the day was Liang’s course-record round of 62, the Chinese golfer joining American Loar at the top of the leader board after the first day’s play.
The 28-year-old was paired up with Englishman Nick Dougherty, who finished the day with a 6-under-par round of 66, and Liang paid tribute to his playing partner.
“I feel very honoured to play with such a world-class player as Nick Dougherty and he inspired me as we went around,” Liang said.
“After he double bogeyed (the fifth) he still played aggressively.
“The positive attitude he had taught me a lot. It showed that we all make mistakes, but watching him bounce back helped me.
“It is a very precious experience for Chinese players to play with such world-class players. It is something I will never forget.”
