Rookie McEvoy emulates hero Faldo

RICHARD MCEVOY had always looked up in awe at “the man” Nick Faldo, but the roles were reversed as the qualifying school graduate produced a stunning opening round to lead the Omega Hong Kong Open.

In his first tournament as a fully fledged member of the European Tour since winning the six-round qualifying school in Spain last month, McEvoy carded an eight under par 62 to finish four shots clear of the field and equal Faldo's course record.

McEvoy's performance was arguably better than Faldo's 13 years ago given the changes made to toughen up the course.