Shubhankar's solid 70 places him T-19 at WGC-Mexico after round 1

India's Shubhankar Sharma made two nice birdies over the last four holes to ensure a solid start with a score of one-under 70 to be placed tied 19th after the first round of the World Golf Championships-Mexico Championship here.

Shubhankar, 22, who catapulted into global fame by leading after 54 holes on his PGA Tour debut at the 2018 edition, is now tied 19th on a day, when Rory McIlroy (63) and Dustin Johnson (64) pulled themselves well clear of the field at the Par-71 Chapultepec Golf Club.

Last year Shubhankar finished tied ninth at the USD 10.25 million tournament here.

Thai star Kiradech Aphibarnrat produced his best opening round of the year on the PGA TOUR, carding a three-under 68 for a share of the seventh spot.

Kiradech traded five birdies against two bogeys to trail first round leader McIlroy, who enjoyed a blistering 63 featuring an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey.

China's Haotong Li dropped two late bogeys to settle for a 69, leaving him in tied 11th, while Shubhankar ..