Otto in front in China
Hennie Otto was superb on the opening day of the Volvo China Open, earning a two stroke lead.
The South African carded a scintillating nine-under 63 at the Topwin Golf and Country Club in Beijing, which is hosting its first ever European Tour event.
His flawless round included seven birdies and an eagle on the par five eighth as Otto took advantage of the soft greens and calm conditions.
"I played really well today," the 39-year-old told europeantour.com
"The first hole I saved a good par and I think that gave me momentum. After that I hit it really close. I broke 30 putts this week.
"You have to hit it in the right places and that's the thing I did today. I hit them close, that makes a big difference. I've worked hard on my putting.
"It's a nice golf course. The greens are not what we're used to but we've got a few courses in South Africa with the same type of grass and the slopes so we adapt quickly.
"I've been playing well, I haven't been putting well. I've been working hard on it and today it showed."
Otto, who is searching for his first wins since 2014, is two strokes ahead of Austria's Bernd Wiesberger, with a host of players on six under, three shots off the pace.
One of the highlights of the day was Rikard Karlberg's ace on the 16th, which earns the Swede a brand new Volvo XC90.
Latest
-
NewsTiger Woods taking things ‘one step at a time’ as he recovers after car accident
The American suffered major injuries following a crash in Los Angeles.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson recognises consistency is key as he chases Ryder Cup place
The oldest major champion in golf’s history moved up to 16th in his country’s rankings with his win at the US PGA Championship last week.
-
NewsPGA boss apologises to Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka for unruly fans
Mickelson’s extraordinary victory made the 50-year-old the oldest major champion in history.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson to ‘put everything’ into completing career grand slam at US Open
The 50-year-old is aiming to join Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to have won all four majors.
-
Dave Tindall10 things to know about 300/1 Phil Mickelson’s record-breaking PGA Championship win
A look at some of the incredible stats and facts from Phil Mickelson’s stunning victory over Father Time at Kiawah Island.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson holds nerve for memorable triumph at US PGA Championship
The American carded a closing 73 amid euphoric and somewhat chaotic scenes on the 18th hole.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson: I will cherish forever winning US PGA Championship
The 50-year-old snatched victory 16 years after lifting the Wanamaker Trophy for the first time.
-
NewsStill nifty at fifty – Phil Mickelson becomes oldest winner in major history
Mickelson surpassed Julius Boros’ mark and became the first 50-year-old to win a major.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson becomes oldest major winner with US PGA Championship success
Mickelson is the first 50-year-old to win a major.
-
NewsPhil Mickelson keeps his nose in front in wild final round
Mickelson and Brooks Koepka traded blows as the momentum swung back and fourth in the US PGA Championship.