Cevaer takes early lead in Beijing

Frenchman Christian Cevaer fired a six-under-par 66 to grab the early lead in the Volvo China Open at the Honghua International Golf Club in Beijing.

Cevaer set the early pace by taking a one-stroke clubhouse lead in front of Englishmen Ross Fisher, Simon Dyson and Simon Wakefield, Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Sweden’s Peter Hanson, who all shot 67 in sunny conditions.

The 36-year-old Cavaer, who claimed his maiden title at the Open de Espana in 2004, was delighted with his opening round score.

Cevaer, who birdied six holes, said: “It felt great out there, the swing was going beautifully.

“I felt comfortable and I really enjoyed it. The key today was the fine shots I made from the bunker.”

Dyson, China Open winner in 2000, was just behind him and looking to notch another tournament win in Asia.

“I’m very pleased with that, especially after yesterday when I didn’t play that great in the pro-am,” Dyson said.

“I went back to the drawing boards, went back to the range for a couple of hours and found something.

“Every time I come back to Asia there’s something special about it. I won my first European Tour event in Asia as well.

“Every time I come back now, there’s an extra bit of confidence in myself. It’s a nice feeling and I want to get that feeling in Europe now.”

Fellow Englishman Fisher also got off to a good start on the 72-par Nick Faldo course, saying he was delighted with his opening score.

Fisher came close to winning last year’s tournament when he led after the first three rounds before faltering on the final day.

“There’s still a long way to go but I have put myself in a good position,” said Fisher.

Hanson overcame two bogeys at the start but came back strongly to card a 67.

“It was a slow start but I managed to turn it round. I think I stayed patient. I hit two bad shots on 10 and 11,” said the Swede. “But I started to feel better and better. It was nice to come in strongly.”