Howell in contention in China

David Howell was relishing life among the pacesetters after firing himself into early contention following the first round of the TCL Classic in the Chinese resort of Hainan.

The world number 14 who he defeated Tiger Woods in last year's HSBC Champions tournament shot an eight-under-par 64 around the Yalong Bay Golf Club on a day when the course record was bettered by two golfers.

China's Liang Wen Chong and Edward Loar of the United States lead the standings at the end of the first round after both hit 10-under-par 62s, giving them a one-shot advantage over South African Warren Abery, Joakim Haeggman of Sweden, and Australia's Andrew Buckle, with Howell a further shot back.