Rory McIlroy didn't let a slow start at the WGC-HSBC Champions stunt his chances of contending for another trophy.
McIlroy was stuck at even par after nine holes Thursday, having turned a possible birdie into a bogey on the par-5 18th, and he was well off the pace heading to the second half of his opening round at Sheshan International Golf Club. But the Ulsterman found something on his inward half, reeling off five birdies in a six-hole stretch to surge into contention with a 5-under 67.
"Once I made the turn, things started to go for me a little bit more," McIlroy told reporters.