Damien McGrane jumped the queue thanks to having John ‘Ronnie’ Roberts on the bag to be quickly in position for a hopeful second winning Volvo China Open winning take away.

McGrane, winner of the event in 2008, lies in a seven way share of eighth place but only two from the lead in carding a five under par 67. 

Super caddy John 'Ronnie' Roberts working this week for in-form Damien McGrane. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Engand rookie Matthew Baldwin heads the co-sanctioned event in carding a 65.

McGrane had six birdies and just on bogey in his first competitive round since going so close to victory in last month’s Hassan II Trophy in Morocco.

“I played lovely and steady today,” said McGrane.

“My short game and my putting was good, and I had a couple of crucial up-and-downs for pars that kept my momentum going.

“I managed also a couple of birdies on the back nine that got me from three under par to five under and then to save par at the last was crucial.”

McGrane stormed to his only European Tour success in winning by nine strokes in Beijing to set up a chain reaction of Irish success as Darren Clarke and Peter Lawrie won in successive weeks.

“Coming back here to China has good memories for me and go out there and generally concentrate well and play steady,” said McGrane.

“So there is plenty of good combinations for me and I always come out here to China with a smile on my face.

“It’s just nice to be playing reasonably well and start off with a good score.

“I found you have to putt well in China and I managed to do that so I finished at five under par and it’s also a continuation of the good form I showed in Morocco.”