• WGC-HSBC Champions - Round One

No. 1 Westwood off to superb start

ESPN staff
November 4, 2010
Lee Westwood has handled his new mantle well in Shanghai © Getty Images
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Lee Westwood made a blistering start to life as golf's world No. 1 with a stunning 66 in the opening round of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

The Brit has Tiger Woods, Martin Kaymer and Phil Mickelson breathing down his neck and is aware that a win for any of his big rivals would see him deposed as No. 1. But if he was feeling the pressure he did not show it, as he racked up seven birdies and a solitary bogey to sit one shot adrift of Francesco Molinari. The Italian has often demonstrated frailty on the greens, but he was in sizzling form on the Sheshan International course with a blemish-free seven-under.

Woods is the hunter rather than the hunted for the first time in 281 weeks and he looks sure to be a threat to Westwood this week after carding a fine 68

Mickelson was at even-par after 10 holes but he too finished strongly with three quick-fire birdies in his round of 69. Kaymer, the other challenger to Westwood's new throne, could only manage an even round of 72.

Luke Donald is likely to be a threat in Shanghai judged on his opening round of 68, while Yuta Ikeda and Henrik Stenson are well placed in the clubhouse at five-under.

Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington are five off the lead, a shot ahead of Rory McIlroy, but Paul Casey and Graeme McDowell struggled for form at one and two-over respectively.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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