McIlroy starts well after Masters woe

Rory McIlroy made a promising start at the Malaysian Open today as he attempted to bounce back from his Masters disappointment.

The Northern Irishman, who squandered a four-shot lead going into the final round at Augusta on Sunday as Charl Schwartzel claimed the green jacket, was two under par through 14 holes.

He birdied the second, fourth and fifth with his only blemish to date coming at the par-four 14th.

South African Schwartzel is also playing in Kuala Lumpur and started well with birdies on two and three before shooting a 39 on the back nine to card a one-over 73.

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero holds the clubhouse lead after a 66 which contained eight birdies and two bogeys.

Swede Alexander Noren tops the leaderboard, however, after moving to seven under through 14.

Noren, who started on the 10th, birdied his first three holes and turned in 32.

He also picked up shots on his 10th, 12th and 14th holes of the day to lead by one from Manassero.