Sergio Garcia grabs narrow opening round lead at BMW Masters in Shanghai, China on Thursday (November 12).

European Tour action from the BMW Masters in Shanghai, with the golf course surrounded by the characteristic China smog.

Sergio Garcia set the early pace in the competition with an impressive opening round.

The Spaniard equalled his lowest round on the European Tour this season to take a one shot lead into the club house at Lake Malaren Golf Club.

The 35 year old began on the tenth and was four under after five holes thanks to birdies at the opener, the 12th, 13th and 14th.

He followed that up with a bogey at 17, and a run of five birdies in seven holes in the back nine.

Garcia went round in a 64, good enough to get him to eight under and give him a slender lead over Byeong-hun An and Victor Dubuisson.

With Race to Dubai leader Rory McIlroy not playing, the week presents an opportunity for the chasing pack to stake their claim to be Europe's number one.

Justin Rose made the most progress on Thursday with a 67.

Second-placed Danny Willett endured a frustrating day as he carded a level par 72 with playing partners Shane Lowry and Louis Oosthuizen both going round in 70.