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Rory McIlroy finally delivered on his promise to hit top form by shooting a 65 to storm into the first-round lead at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.
McIlroy was in imperious form at the Sheshan International GC, moving to 7-under par to lead the way by two shots from both Jamie Donaldson and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, who triumphed at the BMW Masters last week.
The Northern Irishman has struggled for form for large parts of this season, but found the right formula in Shanghai, notching eight birdies and just the one bogey.
McIlroy had been in upbeat mood before teeing off in China and his confidence proved to be well-founded.
"I feel like I'm capable of winning this golf tournament and I feel like my game's coming together nicely," McIlroy said before opening up in style.
"I did a little short game work over the last couple days and I feel like if I can get that part of my game where it needs to be, then I've got a good chance."
McIlroy is now3.20to win the WGC-HSBC Champions this week, with Fernandez-Castano17.00and Phil Mickelson, who dropped five shots in his final two holes to end on 1-under par,29.00.
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