McIlroy shoots a 66 in Hong Kong

Rory McIlroy is well placed after the first round in Hong Kong

Rory McIlroy made a good start in the Hong Kong Open by firing a four-under-par 66 on Thursday.

The Holywood player lies 52,321 euros behind Race to Dubai leader Lee Westwood, who also carded a 66.

Graeme McDowell made a good finish to post a 67, Darren Clarke started with a 70 and Michael Hoey had a 73.

Peter Lawrie is four under with Shane Lowry back on two over while Robert-Jan Derksen and Udorn Duangdecha led on seven under.

McIlroy, who lost out in a play-off in last year's tournament, picked up five birdies his round with the only blemish coming at the fifth.

McDowell also bogeyed the fifth but the Portrush man birdied four of the last seven holes to leave himself just four off the pace.