Rory McIlroy's hopes of winning a first UBS Hong Kong Open crown soared high in the strong early-morning winds which swept through Fanling on the opening day of the showpiece tournament.
While most of the field was blown away by the blustery wind - even a big Christmas tree near the family fun zone came crashing down - McIlroy was steadfast as he grabbed early ownership of the first-round lead with a stunning six-under 64.
But with conditions turning more benign later in the day, Spain's Alvaro Quiros and England's David Horsey joined him in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Two-time Hong Kong Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain was one shot adrift of the leaders on 65, while Gareth Maybin of Northern Ireland and Darren Beck of Australia were on 66.
It was an incredible feat by US Open champion McIlroy considering everyone else was being blown away, most falling victim to the tough conditions and others just failing to come to terms with the rock-hard greens.
But the 22-year-old world number two from Northern Ireland was rock solid as he rolled in six birdies. He was quite matter-of-fact about the effort afterwards.
'It was my best round in Hong Kong,' said McIlroy, who has been coming here since he was a 15-year-old kid playing in the Nick Faldo Series, and is familiar with the ins and outs of Fanling. 'I didn't make a mistake. Six birdies and no bogeys is always a nice way to start a tournament. I gave myself a lot of chances. I think I hit 17 greens and it was nice to take a few of those opportunities.
