HSBC Champions 2016: Thursday Leaderboard Scores and Highlights

Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg carded a stunning eight-under 64 on the first day of the 2016 WGC-HSBC Champions in China to build a one-shot lead over a very strong field. 

Rickie Fowler is his closest challenger after Thursday’s action having shot an impressive 65, while defending champion Russell Knox, the United States’ Daniel Berger and Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama are tied for third on six under.

World No. 3 Rory McIlroy endured a frustrating opening round and could only card a one-under 71, but he is still in much better shape after Day 1 than another of the pre-tournament favourites, Dustin Johnson, who shot a two-over 74.

Here is what the leaderboard looks like after the first day of play at Sheshan International in Shanghai:

For the full leaderboard, visit the European Tour website.

Thursday Recap

Only at the last did Karlberg slip up in an almost perfect round of golf. He birdied his opening four holes and picked up another shot on the seventh to go out in 31.

After the turn for home he moved to six under after a three on the par-four 11th, carded back-to-back birdies on the 13th and 14th and his brilliant approach on 16 gave him a tap-in to move to nine under, …

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