Kevin Phelan grabs lifeline

Kevin Phelan seized a final Race to Dubai lifeline with both hands, banking a four- under-par 66 in sauna-like conditions on the opening day of the UBS Hong Kong Open.

Phelan is tied with fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell and just two shots off the lead in the co-sanctioned event in suburban Fanling.

The duo of Italy’s Andrea Pavan and Taipei Lu Wei-chih head the event on six under par with 64s. The 35-year Lu came close to retirement three years ago after undergoing brain surgery.