Bhullar lies 27th, Sharma struggles with 80 on day 1 of WGC

Gaganjeet Bhullar carded an even par 72 but debutant Shubhankar Sharma crashed to eight-over 80 on the opening day of the WGC-HSBC Champions here Thursday.

While Bhullar hit three birdies and as many bogeys in his 72, Shubhankar was unable to tame the windy conditions at the Sheshan International Golf Club and ended up with eight bogeys, a double bogey and two birdies.

Bhullar, who is coming off a week's rest after the CIMB Classic in Malaysia, is lying Tied 27th as only a third of the field broke par.

Shubhankar, who hit the headlines with his Tied 9th finish at his maiden WGC earlier this year in Mexico, was 77th and last as Eddie Pepperell and Chris Wood withdrew.

Masters champion Patrick Reed fired a brilliant opening 64 in windy conditions as he teed up for the first time since The Ryder Cup.

Reed made eight birdies in a bogey-free effort that moved him to eight under, two shots ahead of fellow Americans Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele.

Bhullar had three each of birdies and ...