Rory McIlroy leads WGC-HSBC Champions by two

Rory McIlroy has boosted his chances of qualifying for the DP World Tour Championship by carding a stunning 65 to lead the WGC-HSBC Champions at the end of round one.

The 24-year-old currently sits 62nd in the European Tour's Race to Dubai, but he needs to climb into the top 60 to book his place in November's super tournament.

A good start at Sheshan International Golf Club was therefore required, and certainly delivered.

McIlroy carded eight birdies and just one bogey to finish seven-under-par, two strokes ahead of Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Jamie Donaldson, who are tied for second.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose, Bubba Watson, Tommy Fleetwood and Jordan Spieth all ended round one on four-under-par.