Golf: Russell Knox starts WGC Champions in Shanghai read more at here www.spinonews.com/index.php/item/1430-golf-russell-knox-starts-wgc-champions-in-shanghai

Scotland's Russell Knox made a strong start to the defence of his WGC-HSBC Champions title in Shanghai.

The 31-year-old shot a bogey-free 66 at Sheshan International to finish six under par, two shots behind Sweden's Rikard Karlberg.

American Ryder Cup star Rickie Fowler, playing with Knox, shot a 65 to sit second after the first round.

Knox aims to become only the second player after Tiger Woods to retain a World Golf Championships title.

After starting on the back nine, Knox followed four straight pars with the same number of birdies in succession from the 14th, before picking up further shots on the third and seventh.

Knox was joined on six under par by American Daniel Berger and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, with England's Paul Casey on five under, along with Francesco Molinari, another former champion, and Bill Haas.

Spain's Sergio Garcia is a shot further back, while Rory McIlroy ended the day seven shots off the pace after a round of 71.

Surprise leader Karlberg birdied his first four holes and reached nine under par after 16, only to bogey the 18th after finding sand off the tee and thick rough with his recovery.