Garcia aims to make most of last chance as Willett sets sights on overhauling McIlroy

Sergio Garcia equalled his lowest round of the season to claim a one-shot lead in the BMW Masters as he looked to seize his last chance to win on the European Tour this year.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Nov 2015, 13:45 BST
Danny Willett of England hits a shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the BMW Masters golf tournament at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai. (AP Photo)Danny Willett of England hits a shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the BMW Masters golf tournament at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai. (AP Photo)
Danny Willett of England hits a shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the BMW Masters golf tournament at the Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai. (AP Photo)

Garcia, who is not playing the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai next week, has won 11 times on Tour but back-to-back sixth place finishes in the Open and European Masters are his best results of the campaign.

However, the 35-year-old Spaniard was 11th in the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai last week and continued that good form across the city at Lake Malaren with nine birdies and one bogey in an opening 64.

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Garcia finished eight under par, one shot ahead of Ryder Cup team-mate Victor Dubuisson and BMW PGA Championship winner Byeong Hun An.

With Rory McIlroy not competing, his rivals in the ‘Race to Dubai’ have the chance to overtake the four-time major winner in the standings. Yorkshire’s Danny Willett just needs to finish 28th or better in the 78-man field, while Shane Lowry, Louis Oosthuizen and Justin Rose must finish second or better and Branden Grace requires a win.

Willett was two under with five to play but bogeyed the fifth after finding sand off the tee and three-putted the eighth to card a level-par 72. Fellow Yorkshireman Matt Fitzpatrick is four off the lead after a 68.

Related topics:Danny WillettMastersRory McIlroy