DAVID Howell recovered from a disappointing start at the Shenzhen International to finish his opening round one-under-par.

Starting on the 10th at the Genzon Golf Club, Howell birdied the opening hole before a triple bogey eight on 13 followed by a bogey five on the following hole left his round in disarray after only five holes.

But the Swindon star began his fight back on the 15th with a birdie three as he went out in a two-over-par 38.

Following a par four on hole one, the Broome Manor pro claimed his third birdie of the day on the second before picking up two more shots on the seventh and ninth for a solid round of 71.

The 39-year-old will begin his second round tomorrow 5.10am BST from the first tee.