SHANGHAI: American Nick Watney seized a two-stroke lead on the first day of the WGC-HSBC Champions yesterday at Sheshan International Golf Club, stealing some of the limelight but not the thronging galleries from the world's two best players, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Four straight birdies helped the world No 32 card an 8-under-par 64, which equaled the course record, to lead the strongest field ever assembled in the region.

Compatriot Ryan Moore, world No 75, continued to make a mockery of the rankings by joining Martin Kaymer of Germany and Ireland's Shane Lowry, No 192, tied for second at the US$7 million tournament, which was upgraded to elite World Golf Championships status in April.