DAVID Howell's fine form in the Far East continued this morning as he contested the lead in the opening round of the Volvo China Open in Shanghai.

Swindon's two-time Ryder Cup star posted a four under par round of 68 to share the lead with Welshman Bradley Dredge and New Zealand's Michael Hendry at the testing Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

The Broome Manor member, who finished tied fourth at the Shenzhen International last week, made the perfect start, carding a birdie at the opening hole.

And although he gave that shot back at the first of the short holes, the third, a second birdie at the ninth took him to the turn in a one under par 35.

From there Howell picked up the pace, posting birdies at the 11th, 13th and from 40 feet on the 17th to come home in 33 and share the clubhouse lead as the first round drew to a close.

He is seeking his first victory of the season after top-10 finishes both last week and at the Jo'burg Open in early March.