Randhawa shoots 68, placed ninth at WGC-HSBC

Shanghai, Nov 5 : Jyoti Randhawa shot a fine four-under 68 that will go a long way in restoring his confidence, as he was placed tied ninth at the end of the first round of the WGC-HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club Thursday.

Randhawa was four shots behind the leader, Nick Watney, who with eight-under 64 overshadowed the World No.1 Tiger Woods (67) and World No.2 Phil Mickelson (69).

Jeev Milkha Singh was the next best Indian at one-over 73, while Gaganjeet Bhullar and Chinnaswamy Muniyappa went two over par 74 to be placed 57th in the 78-man field.

Randhawa, Asia's number one in 2002, who has been struggling with his form, said: "I got my swing back into the groove after a long time and it felt good. I putted well, just coming in I wished I made a few more putts as the greens were fast and true but it's the best that I've hit it in the past two or three months. I'm really happy."

"I knew what I needed to do but I was confused as there were two things in my mind. Today, I just committed to one thing and it worked. My club needs to catch up with my body, it stays too far behind and that's why I hit bad shots."

He also said: "I've played this course a few times before and it helps with the local knowledge. But it's how you're playing and what mental frame you are during the week."

Coming into Shanghai in the 115th place on the European Tour Money list, Randhawa knows that his card will be locked up after this week's event which has no halfway cut. "It was at the back of my mind. Right now, I'm really comfortable and I've got my card for next year. I'll try to freewheel it this week and hope it works. I'm feeling good," he said.

Randhawa made a birdie-birdie opening and turned in two-under. On the back nine, he added birdies on tenth, 13th and 14th to go five-under. His only lapse on the day came at the 15th, where he dropped a bogey on par-4 hole. Pars on last three hole saw him finish at 68.

Watney upstaged the stars with a course-record equalling eight-under-par 64 but Woods was lurking three shots back. Watney, a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour, was in superb form as he reeled in one eagle and seven birdies but a late bogey on his last hole spoilt his card.

Germany's Martin Kaymer, back recently from injury, Irishman Shane Lowry and American Ryan Moore shot 66s to lie two back in the star-studded US$7 million tournament, which is Asia's first ever WGC event.

Woods carded a 67 for a share of fifth place with amongst others, Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang who ended the day as Asia's top finisher.

Woods, chasing his first HSBC title after finishing second in 2005 and 2006, put himself in prime spot to launch another title charge for a seventh win of the year with six birdies against a bogey.

"Well, I got it around today. It wasn't my best ball striking round for sure but I made some putts which was nice, and just managed my game well," said the 14-time Major champion.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, who played with Woods, shot a 71 for a share of 28th position which was matched by compatriot Chapchai Nirat and Singapore's Lam Chih Bing.

Title holder Sergio Garcia of Spain struggled to a 75 while world number two Phil Mickelson, winner here in 2007, shot a 69.

--IANS