Former world number two Sergio Garcia took a step toward ending his trophy drought with a flawless 66 for a six-under-par opening round that left him two shots off the lead at the China Open on Thursday.The Spaniard carded six birdies with 33s on the back and front nine at the Luxehills International Country Club in Chengdu for a share of seventh in the $3 million event, co-sanctioned by the European and OneAsia Tours.
The 31-year-old Garcia's last victory was at the 2009 HSBC Champions European Tour event in Shanghai after which he climbed to a career-high second in the world rankings.
Garcia has a chance to end his barren run although he must catch 19-year-old South Korean Han Chang-won whose eight-under 64 leaves him with a one-stroke advantage atop the leaderboard.
Han, a former Asian Amateur Champion playing in his rookie season as a professional, carded a bogey-free round, which included birdies on the last four holes.
"It's very good weather and I got a bit lucky today. I missed a few easy shots but most of the time I was perfect and hit the fairways and got close to the pins," the teenager, who turns 20 next month, told reporters.
"I felt comfortable going into those last four holes which I birdied. I didn't really feel any pressure and it was a good finish.
"I've been playing golf for nine years. I've only been professional from this year. I've not made much money yet as a professional so it would be nice to get some this week."
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington had a mixed round of one-under 71 and was tied for 83rd after carding three birdies and two bogeys.
The opening round was hit by a one-hour fog delay at the start, which led to the suspension of play with 24 players left on the course.
The 31-year-old Garcia's last victory was at the 2009 HSBC Champions European Tour event in Shanghai after which he climbed to a career-high second in the world rankings.
Garcia has a chance to end his barren run although he must catch 19-year-old South Korean Han Chang-won whose eight-under 64 leaves him with a one-stroke advantage atop the leaderboard.
Han, a former Asian Amateur Champion playing in his rookie season as a professional, carded a bogey-free round, which included birdies on the last four holes.
"It's very good weather and I got a bit lucky today. I missed a few easy shots but most of the time I was perfect and hit the fairways and got close to the pins," the teenager, who turns 20 next month, told reporters.
"I felt comfortable going into those last four holes which I birdied. I didn't really feel any pressure and it was a good finish.
"I've been playing golf for nine years. I've only been professional from this year. I've not made much money yet as a professional so it would be nice to get some this week."
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington had a mixed round of one-under 71 and was tied for 83rd after carding three birdies and two bogeys.
The opening round was hit by a one-hour fog delay at the start, which led to the suspension of play with 24 players left on the course.
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