Watney shoots 64 for HSBC lead

The first World Golf Championship in Asia opened Thursday to a leaderboard filled with Americans, led by wide-eyed Nick Watney and his 8-under 64 that tied the course record at the HSBC Champions.

Watney got more excitement than he expected when he went to Shanghai's metropolis in a cab that weaved through six lanes of cars on a three-lane highway. He felt far safer at Sheshan International Golf Club, where he kept it down the middle and close to the flag. Watney made an accidental eagle and ran off four straight birdies while building a two-shot lead.

Tiger Woods was the star attraction again, although it was as demanding as ever.

It was a frenzy for the opening hour, with marshals barking at the gallery not to take pictures, and Thongchai Jaidee's caddie having to walk up to a grassy hill and escort one photographer to the side of the ropes so his player could hit the shot.

Ultra sensitive when it comes to cameras, Woods handled this day better than most and chalked it up to a maturing golf crowd in China. More frustrating was not knowing where his ball was going throughout a gorgeous afternoon. Still, Woods took care of the par 5s and made enough putts for a 67.

"It wasn't my best ball-striking round today for sure, but I made some putts, which was nice, and just managed my game well," he said.

Notes

Wie will play in Dubai: Michelle Wie will end her season in Dubai at the final Ladies European Tour event of the year. Tour officials announced Thursday that Wie, 20, will play in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters from Dec. 9-12.

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