Stenson off to a flier in Shanghai

Henrik Stenson started the new golf season with a superb opening round of 65 at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

After dropping a shot at the first, the Swede eagled the next and picked up six shots in five holes to reach the turn in 31. And as early morning fog made way for steady rain, Stenson covered the back nine in two-under to take a one-shot lead over Sergio Garcia, Anthony Kim, defending champion Phil Mickelson and Australian Adam Scott.

"I'm very pleased," said 32-year-old Stenson, ranked 12th in the world. "I haven't been playing great lately."

Garcia, who can overhaul world No2 Mickelson with victory this week, said: "I played well, but my putting stroke did not feel as good."