HONG KONG (AP) David Higgins of Ireland shot a 6-under-par 64 to lead the Hong Kong Open by one after the first round on Thursday.
Higgins, who lost his European Tour card at the end of last season, carded nine birdies and three bogeys. Andrea Pavan of Italy bogeyed his final hole to finish one behind Higgins.
"It is a great start," Higgins said. "This is a good course which rewards the guy who hits the fairways and I'm pleased with the way I'm playing."
Seven others from five nations, including Seve Benson of England, Andrew Dodt of Australia and Sujjan Singh of India, were at 4 under.
Defending champion Miguel Angel Jimenez three-putted for a bogey at the last hole to finish on even-par 70, six adrift of Higgins.