Watney Leads Tiger By Three Shots At HSBC Champions

November 5, 2009 5:37 p.m. EST

Shanghai, China (AHN) - American Nick Watney tied the course mark Thursday after carding an almost flawless eight-under-par 64 to open a two-stroke lead at the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Current world No. 1 Tiger Woods, a 17-time winner of WGC events, is lurking three off the pace with a five-under 67. He is tied in a group for fifth place.

Watney, this year's Buick Invitational champ who hails from Sacramento, compiled seven birdies and an eagle in his opening round.

The two-time US PGA Tour winner could have had a three-shot lead if not for a bogey at the final hole Thursday.

Fellow American Ryan Moore, Germany's Martin Kaymer and Shane Lowry of Northern Ireland are knotted in second place at six-under 66.

World No. 2 Phil Mickelson, who edged Watney by one shot to capture the WGC-CA Championship in Florida, posted a three-under 69 for a tie at 13th place.

A struggling Sergio Garcia of Spain, the defending champ, managed a three-over 75.

He is knotted for 69th spot in the 78-man field.