Westwood Trails Leader Molinari by One, Tiger Lurks at HSBC Champions

Lee Westwood looked like the #1 player in the world during round one at the HSBC Champions on Thursday in Shanghai.

Westwood, in his first defence of the #1 ranking, hit 78% of the greens and had just 26 putts on route to a 66 (-6) at Sheshan International.  The Englishman sits just one shot off the pace set by Ryder Cup teammate Francesco Molinari.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods looks ready to fight for #1 opening with a 68 (-4) posting a solid round of 5 birdies and a bogey.  Had it not been for a balky putter, Woods could have challenged for the round one lead.  Woods could be making a push for the top of the board if the putts start to drop on day two.

With Westwood off to a fast start and Tiger nipping at his heels, the bookmakers have adjusted their projections considerably from yesterday.  Woods now sits as only a slight favourite (5-1) ahead of Westwood (6-1), while round one leader Molinari sits third on the bookies’ board (11-1).  The other two men with a shot at #1 are still within striking distance.  Phil Mickelson opened with a 69 (-3) while Martin Kaymer sits 7 off the lead after firing an even par 72. 

Scoring conditions should be favourable on Friday with the forecast showing another beautiful day in Shanghai.  Regardless of who takes the lead after day two, they’re going to have to go low.  51 players in the 78-man field shot par or better on Thursday.  It’s not beyond the realm of possibility that half a dozen players could be in double digits after day two.

All 78 players will stay in the mix after Friday’s round as the WGC – HSBC Champions has no cut.  With conditions getting wet over the weekend, it would be no surprise to see a run from players in the bottom half of the field.  However, with the game’s best already staking their claim at the top, it’ll take some exceptional play to catch them.

One player to keep a keen eye on is Matteo Manassero.  The Italian has already entered the record books as the youngest ever winner on the European Tour having won the Castello Masters in October.  He now faces the formidable task of topping the best in world.  Definitely a sizable challenge for the 17-year old, but with him sitting at (-1) Manassero will have every chance to push those at the top of the leaderboard.

Not long ago tweeting just meant making birdies