Browne just three off the pace

China's Liang Wen-Chong thrilled the galleries in the opening round of the TCL Classic with a stunning 10-under-par 62 to equal the course record set earlier in the day by American Edward Loar.

On a day of incredible low scoring at Yalong Bay Golf Club, Swede Joakim Haeggman posted a nine-under-par 63 to lie alongside Warren Abery of South Africa and Australian Andrew Buckle with tournament favourite David Howell of England a shot further back.

Stephen Browne is well in touch with the leaders after a 65 that included five birdies and an eagle three at the 16th while Paul McGinley, after dropping shots at the second and third, fired a four-under-par back nine for a 69 total.

Howell was relishing life among the pacesetters after firing himself into early contention.

"There are a lot of good players here and any win on the tour is very difficult, but I did say to my caddie, Mick, that this is the kind of tournament I should be contending in.

"You can never guarantee it, but I am pleased with my start and if I am going to have the career I want, this is the sort of tournament I will be looking to win. But that is easier said than done."

With the wind rarely rising beyond a light breeze, scoring conditions at the course on the South China Sea coast were at their optimum as an unlikely 106 players out of the 155-man field broke par in the opening round.

Howell refused to be overawed by the nature of the scoring in the day's early play.

"I was not too concerned with the conditions, but it does put more pressure on when you see 10-under on the board," said Howell.

The surprise of the day was Liang's course-record round of 62, the Chinese golfer joining American Loar at the top of the leader board after the first day's play.

The 28-year-old was paired up with Englishman Nick Dougherty, who finished the day with a six-under-par round of 66, and Liang paid tribute to his playing partner.

"I feel very honoured to play with such a world-class player as Nick Dougherty and he inspired me as we went around," Liang said.

"After he double bogeyed (the fifth) he still played aggressively.

"The positive attitude he had taught me a lot. It showed that we all make mistakes, but watching him bounce back helped me.

"It is a very precious experience for Chinese players to play with such world-class players."