Published: Friday, 6th November, 2009 9:30am

Lowry off to flying start in China

Offaly's Shane Lowry enjoyed a spectacular opening day at this week's European Tour WGC-HSBC Championship in Shanghai, China.

In a tournament which boasts total prize money of €7 million, the 22 year-old Clara native trailed leader Nick Watney by two shots after two rounds were completed yesterday (Tuesday).

At time of print, Lowry was tied in second place alongside Germany's Martin Kaymer on -6, one shot clear of Tiger Woods.

American Nick Watney tied the course record with a near flawless eight under par 64 to claim a two stroke lead in Shanghai.Watney, who won this year's Buick Invitational on the US PGA Tour at Torrey Pines in California, carded just one bogey during his trip around Sheshan International Golf Club to top the leaderboard ahead of Race to Dubai contender Martin Kaymer and The 3 Irish Open champion Lowry.

Lowry, of course, memorably won the 3 Irish Open while still an amateur in May 2009, defeating Robert Rock on the third hole of a sudden death play-off. The win, on his tour debut, made him just the third amateur to win on the European Tour.

The event in China is due to run until Sunday.