Michael Lorenzo-Vera tops leaderboard

France’s Michael Lorenzo-Vera shot a five-under par 67 to take a one-stroke lead over a clutch of players, including local hope Li Chao, after the first round of the $2.2 million China Open on Thursday.

The 23-year-old enjoyed the early calm conditions at the par-72 CBD International Golf Club, sinking six birdies after dropping a shot on his first hole.

“I’m very pleased with that. I have had a few problems with my game so I am just enjoying it,” Lorenzo-Vera told reporters.

“This is only my 11th (European tour) tournament. Not talking about winning yet,” said the Frenchman.

Lorenzo-Vera showed poise where more experienced heads struggled as winds picked up later in the day.

Briton David Howell was bitterly disappointed to finish on level par after imploding on the back nine at the co-sanctioned European and Asian tour event.

The former Ryder Cup player putted sublimely, sinking seven birdies to reach five-under with four to go, but then dropped five strokes, including a horror triple-bogey on his last hole.

“Five under would have been miraculous, three under great but level is disastrous,” Howell said.

China’s Li Chao stole the limelight from compatriot and 2007 Asian order of merit champion Liang Wenchong, snaring two birdies on his last two holes to join six others tied for second.

“I’m feeling confident and I really hope to put in a good performance to make all Chinese proud, especially ahead of the Olympics this year,” said Li, who turns 28 on Saturday.

Li was joined by the United States’ Jason Knutzon and a trio of Britons, in Simon Griffiths, Zane Scotland and Richard Finch.

Ireland’s Damien McGrane and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands also remain a shot off the pace, the former surrendering a share of the lead with a bogey on his last hole.

Defending champion Markus Brier of Austria clawed back into contention with a one-under par 71, birdieing his last hole after finishing a torrid opening nine with two consecutive bogeys.

But pre-tournament favourite Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland remains six strokes behind after a one-over par 73 littered with wayward tee-shots.

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