David Howell in three-way tie for China Open following first-round 68

Englishman David Howell is part of a three-way tie at the top of the China Open leaderboard following a first-round 68.

The 39-year-old, who finished four-under-par in Shanghai, has been joined by Michael Hendry and Bradley Dredge in joint first with a one-shot lead.

Howell suffered a bogey on the third hole, but five birdies were enough to give him a place at the top of the leaderboard, while Hendry and Dredge hit four birdies over 18 holes.

Marcus Fraser, Julien Quesne and Alexander Levy all sit one shot behind the leaders, while eight players, including Englishman Oliver Wilson, are not far behind on two-under par.