Els Back in the Swing

Pre-tournament favourite Ernie Els carded a five-under-par 67 to claim a share of the lead on day one of the BMW Asian Open in Shanghai.

Els fired six birdies and one bogey in sweltering conditions at Tomson Golf Club to join six other players at the top of a congested leaderboard.

French duo Jean van de Velde and Raphael Jacquelin, Ireland's Peter Lawrie, England's Simon Wakefield, New Zealand's Eddie Lee and Australian Larry Austin also recorded rounds of 67.

Colin Montgomerie needed to birdie two of his last three holes just to post a one-over-par 73, while Nick Faldo had 16 pars, one birdie and one bogey in a 72.

Luke Donald, third on his Masters debut earlier this month, returned a 70 while Ryder Cup team-mate Paul Casey recorded a roller-coaster 73 with four birdies and five bogeys. "I have to be pleased with that," said Els, the world No3, still working on changes to his posture under the guidance of coach David Leadbetter. "It was very hot today and it took its toll towards the end.

"I had a good start and had quite a few more chances on the back nine but all in all I'm very happy. It puts me in a good position and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week."