Stenson sets pace in Shanghai

Sweden’s Henrik Stenson returned to the fore after a series of tournament disappointments by setting the early pace in the BMW Asian Open.

The world number 15 shot a brilliant five-under-par 67 around the Tomson Golf Club to take a one-stroke lead over France’s Jean Van De Velde and Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher.

Colin Montgomerie was a shot further back after a 69 which boosted his chances of making his first halfway cut in six tournaments.

Stenson won the Qatar Masters in January but missed the cut in the BellSouth Classic and US Masters and was only 20th in Beijing last week.

“I felt really good on the back nine and I had birdie chances on every hole and managed to knock in a few,” said the 30-year-old Swede.

“I hit a couple of bad shots but overall it felt a better round of golf today than the last couple of tournaments I played so hopefully we are moving in the right direction. Hopefully, I will keep it up tomorrow.

“It was dead calm conditions today. The wind was only starting to pick up when we finished. The greens were really good to putt on and the sun is shining so it’s got all the makings of shooting a good score.”

Asked whether he felt the pressure of being the highest ranked player in the field, Stenson added: “I am just trying to focus on my game.

“I don’t know whether that makes a difference or not whether you are the highest ranked player. I just hope to have a good week and go out there and try to be in the hunt on Sunday.”

Van de Velde also enjoyed the fine conditions as e looked to claim a second victory in a month following his win in the Madeira Island Open.

“The greens are extremely good. I mean they are fantastic really,” said Van de Velde, .

“I thought it was going to be a tough test. When I teed up this morning I knew this was the moment to try to put it together.

“Everything went according to plan. I have been playing really good since I came back last year. It’s a matter of putting runs together and being patient and lucky.”