Howell, the world number 14, was in scintillating form at the Yalong Bay course on Friday.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Rampant Howell leads TCL Classic

Howell, the European Tour Order of Merit leader, got off to a flying start at the Yalong Bay Golf Club on Hainan Island with a birdie at the first.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Howell matches Euro Tour record