Aussies Scrivener, Smylie sharing third at China Open

Australians Jason Scrivener and Elvis Smylie are tied third but everyone is chasing course-record setter Tapio Pulkkanen after the opening round of the China Open.

Finland's Pulkannen produced a flawless nine under par 62 to earn a three-shot lead.

Still awaiting his maiden title on what is his 170th DP World Tour appearance, the 34-year-old rolled in seven birdies and also holed out for an eagle in his pace-setting round at Enhance Anting Golf Club in Shanghai on Thursday.

Spain's Eugenio Chacarra was second while Scrivener and Smylie were equal third with American Jordan Gumberg, New Zealand's Kazuma Kobori and China's Bai Zheng-kai at four under.

"A great start," Pulkannen said. "My putter was really hot, I think I missed just one putt inside 15 feet. A lot of good putts and solid tee to green. It was a good score.

"I think I was a bit lucky with a couple of putts as well, they went in on the edge of the hole. A solid wedge game, a lot of wedges inside six feet, so I was able to make easy birdies as well"

"I did some good work back home in Finland, although it was snowing a couple of days. My iron game was good. Overall, everything was awesome."

English pair Matthew Jordan and Jordan Smith are among six players - including home favourite Wu Ashun - at three under.