Weather helps propel Rai upwards

England’s Aaron Rai took full advantage of a change in conditions to claim a share of the lead after the opening round of the Honma Hong Kong Open.

After India’s Arjun Atwal had set the early clubhouse target with a 66 on a cool and windy morning in Fanling, calmer weather helped later starters Rai, Jason Scrivener and Yusaku Miyazato to shoot 65 and move to the top of the leaderboard.

England’s Jack Singh Brar and American Micah Lauren Shin are alongside Atwal on four under, with Tommy Fleetwood one under and Sergio Garcia level par thanks to three birdies in his last four holes.

“It was good. I think we were lucky with the weather today,” Rai admitted after a flawless round containing three birdies and a tap-in eagle on the par-five 13th.

“When we got here this morning it was kind of blowy, so the guys this morning had it harder than we did, but nonetheless, it’s a tough course. I think anything under par was a good score and I was very pleased with a 65 to start off.”

Fleetwood, whose 2018 season ended with the loss of his Race to Dubai title to Ryder Cup partner Francesco Molinari on Sunday, was also relatively satisfied with an opening 69.

“It’s OK,” the world number nine said. “You can’t press too hard and to be fair I didn’t play very good. I was fine getting off the tee, I drove the ball lovely which is the really important part to do, but my iron play was way off so one under is not bad.

“I wouldn’t say I’m weary, maybe a little bit on the tired side rather than fresh, but it’s a great event this because you come here and there are guys that have just got their Tour cards that are really fresh and hungry and excited about playing.

“I do enjoy this atmosphere, it’s nice to start again even though it’s the end of the year.”

France’s Victor Dubuisson, who is playing for the first time since April after suffering a perforated ear drum, is three over par after a 73.

Top Scot on two under is David Drysdale, Grant Forrest is level par, with Liam Johnston, David Law and Robert MacIntyre all one over.

Aaron Rai of England is sharing the lead.