‘That was really nice, I had perfect distance and I was surprised to see it go in’

Rafa Cabrera Bello fired a stunning eagle at his final hole for a flawless six-under-par 64 to take a one shot lead after the opening round of the Hong Kong Open at Fanling yesterday.
The Spaniard had already picked up four birdies when he lined up his approach shot at the par-four 10th, firing the ball a foot past the pin and watching as it spun back into the hole. The 32-year-old launched his club into the air in celebration of a round that gave him the lead ahead of Frenchman Sebastien Gros, who was second after carding a five-birdie 65.
“That was really nice, I had perfect distance and I was surprised to see it go in,” Cabrera Bello said.
“I have never really finished a round like that. I played really smart today, made very few mistakes, I hit pretty much every green, I putted really well, so it was a nice walk out there.”
Ten players shared third place at the European Tour co-sanctioned event after shooting 66s. US Masters champion Danny Willett shot a 68, while his fellow Englishman Justin Rose, the defending champion and Rio Olympic gold medallist, bogeyed the last for a level par 70.
Another Englishman, former world number five Ian Poulter, also dropped a shot at the last to finish with a 68, fuming at the “mental errors” that cost him the three bogeys on his card.
“I’m rather annoyed, I’ll probably have to go a padded room for about an hour and then I’ll be alright,” he said.
“Over the last few years, I’ve made way too many mental errors and I’m getting frustrated on the course, which doesn’t help. I’ve got every right to be annoyed... it’s not like me and I need to rectify it.”
Golfers were in mourning as they wore black ribbons in tribute to a caddie who collapsed this week during a Dubai tournament.
Players were also remembering Spanish great Seve Ballesteros’ former caddie who passed away last week.
Defending champion Justin Rose was among those with ribbons pinned to their clothing in memory of Austrian caddie Max Zechmann — who collapsed Wednesday at the Dubai Ladies Masters and later died — and Argentine Pedro Ramseyer, who caddied for the late Ballesteros.
American Paul Peterson, who finished the first day at joint third at four under par despite recovering from sinus surgery, said: “It’s sad for the caddies and the friendships that they have created; to have two guys go in two weeks is really sad.”
And England’s Ian Poulter, who said he had often played with Zechmann, earlier tweeted: “Very sad to see the passing of another caddie. Done many rounds with Big Max. #RIP thoughts go out to his family and friends.”

Leading scores after the first round
64—Rafa Cabrera Bello (ESP)
65—Sebastien Gros (FRA)
66—Sam Brazel (AUS), Paul Peterson (USA), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG), Nacho Elvira (ESP), Jordan L Smith (ENG), Jorge Campillo (ESP), David Lipsky (USA), Peter Uihlein (USA), Jbe Kruger (RSA), Benjamin Hebert (FRA)
67—Juvic Pagunsan (PHI), Jason Scrivener (AUS), Justin Walters (RSA), Danthai Boonma (THA), Nathan Kimsey (ENG), Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Nino Bertasio (ITA), Jens Fahrbring (SWE), Siddikur Rahman (BAN)

Other leading players:
68 — Ian Poulter (ENG), Danny Willett (ENG)
Par — Justin Rose (ENG), Patrick Reed (USA).

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