New South Welshman Andrew Evans is just one
shot off the lead after the opening round of the PGA TOUR China’s Sunning
Estate Nanjing Zhongshan Open.

Firing 5-under 67, Evans is tied with two other
players; American Niall Platt and China’s Huilin Zhang, the trio trailing
Monday qualifier Sunh Ho by just one shot.

Playing his second season on the PGA TOUR
China, Evans’ opening 67 was his first sub-70 round of the year in China.

A hot putter was the key to Evans’ success in
the opening round after he worked on his stroke with David McKenzie last week.

"I had the putter working today. I put in a lot
of practice back home in Sydney, with some help from David. I just worked
pretty hard on my short game and putting. It helped today," said Evans.

Evidence of his hard work, Evans made a 20-foot
putt for birdie on the 10^th and a 16-footer for par on the 17^th.

However the highlight of his round was on the 3^rd
hole where he didn’t require his putter at all, chipping in for birdie.

While Evans’ putting was hot so was the
temperature with the New South Welshman battling the humidity late in his
round.

"Today was really good, but it was probably the
hottest conditions I’ve ever played a round of golf in," added Evans.

"I felt like I was going to pass out on the
18th hole. Headache and stuff like that."

 Mitch
Davis and Peter Martin are the next best of the Aussie contingent, tied 12^th
on 3-under the card.