Lawrie leads at BMW Asian Open

Jean Van de Velde continued his encouraging comeback as Colin Montgomerie struggled in the first round of the BMW Asian Open today.

Peter Lawrie has enjoyed a fine first round at the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai today to take a share of the lead.

Lawrie carded a five-under-par 67 at Tomson GC in Shanghai.

Lawrie shares top spot with Australian Larry Austin and two Frenchman: Raphael Jacquelin and Jean Van de Velde. Van de Velde continued his encouraging comeback on his fourth return to the European Tour after a serious knee injury.

Spain’s Carlos Rodiles and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh two shots behind.

Colin Montgomerie’s pre-tournament confidence proved somewhat misplaced as he struggled to a one-over-par 73 to lie six shots off the pace.

Buoyed by another top-10 finish in last week’s Johnnie Walker Classic and high praise from world number three Ernie Els, Montgomerie was looking to climb back into the world’s top 50 this week.

But the former European number carded two bogeys and a double-bogey seven on the second before two birdies in his last three holes rescued his round.