Golf:Rory McIlroy again showed his fondness for the Hong Kong Open after shooting a seven-under par 63 to be just one shot behind overnight leader, Mark Brown from New Zealand.
Playing under the preferred lie rule, McIlroy recorded eight birdies with just one bogey to set the early clubhouse target before Brown’s flawless eight birdie round - the lowest of his career – set the pace.
However the 35-year-old’s score will not be officially recognised due to the preferred lie rule where the golf ball can be lifted, cleaned and placed on the fairways.
The world 446 had been concerned about his form with the driver and benefited from only having to use it sparingly.
"I have been really struggling with the driver the last couple of months, so when you don't have to hit it that often, it sort of makes the course suit me," said Brown. "It's nice being back to an old-style, firm golf course. It's a really nice change to the courses we play in Europe most of the time."
McIlroy arrived in Hong Kong still suffering from a chest infection but the world number 10 dispelled any fitness concerns in what was his lowest score in 11 rounds on the Fanling course.
"I'm feeling fine though I still have a bit of a head cold but the chest is starting to clear and I'm feeling a lot better, getting a bit more energy," said the 21-year-old. "When you shoot 63, you're always going to feel a bit better, as well. So that helps. It’s a great start to the tournament."
McIlroy has been runner-up the past two years in Hong Kong and will look to make it third time lucky in the co-sanctioned Asian and European Tour event.
"The conditions are perfect for scoring. There wasn't any wind and when the greens are that good in the morning you can take advantage of it and that is what I was able to do today."
McIlroy was reminded that it's been more than 18 months since he captured his only European Tour win, the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic. But after capturing the US Tour's Quail Hollow Championship in fine style in May, he is looking to end the season on a winning note.
"I have won already this year, so it's not as if I haven't won," added the Holywood star, who is tied second alongside India’s Jeev Milkha Singh. "It will be big for me (to win) but I don't think the fact I have not won a European Tour event in 18 months will play a part.
"I will be more trying to win this tournament as I have wanted to win it for the last couple of years, so that is the goal to get myself into that position."
US Open champion Graeme McDowell, second in the Race to Dubai, was among six players at five-under par. The highest ranked player in the world rankings (ninth) was joined in a share of sixth alongside the likes of Damien McGrane.
McDowell, who arrived in Hong Kong after finishing tied third at last week's Singapore Open, could have finished better but for his only bogey of the day on his final hole.
The Portrush pro put his approach into trees at the ninth, his 18th, and was forced to play back out to safety. With 77 yards to the green the 31-year-old was unable to get up and down for par.
"This is a type of golf course where you just have to plot yourself around and stay patient," said a somewhat frustrated McDowell afterwards. "I was really happy with the way I hit the ball today. I positioned myself well and gave myself a ton of chances."
"The greens are tough, they are grainy and hard to read. But all in all five under is a decent start.”
McDowell is chasing Martin Kaymer’s lead in the European standings and has a chance to close the gap further as the German is not playing in Hong Kong this week.
England’s Simon Dyson, who shares fourth on six under alongside Denmark’s Soren Hansen, capped his round with a hole-in-one at the par three 12th, his third.
The 2000 Hong Kong Open winner hit a wedge from 136-yards to record the ace just moments after chipping-in for birdie at the previous hole.
“Perfect yardage, no wind, perfect wedge, straight down the flag, pitched to about a foot short and just dropped in the hole," said Dyson, after recording his third hole-in-one on tour and 16th overall, 13 as an amateur.
Of the other Irish players, Gareth Maybin returned a three under 67, one better than Michael Hoey and Shane Lowry and two better than Paul McGinley. Peter Lawrie (70) came home in level par but Darren Clarke struggled to an opening 72.
Europe's Ryder Cup winning captain Colin Montgomerie (69) dipped under par while defending champion Gregory Bourdy from France was well-placed after an opening 66.