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An ill friend provided the inspiration for Aberdeen golfer Richie Ramsay's strong start to the China Open.

Ramsay fired a bogey-free five under par opening round to sit just two shots off the lead.

Afterwards, he said the man he used to caddie for - Dick Gilbert - was confined to his apartment in America after becoming ill.

Ramsay said he hoped his performance gave him something good to watch on television.

He said: "He's a great guy, he's got 90 days of food through a tube, he does not have much to do.

"I texted him and said I would try to shoot a number, hopefully he feels a little better.

"Five under's a really good score. That round was for him."

There are 10 Scots in the field, trailing leader Matthew Baldwin of England on seven under.

Colin Montgomerie finished four under, while Paul Lawrie birdied the last two holes to finish level par.

Guan Tian-lang, the youngest player to compete on the European Tour at 13 years and 173 days, finished five over par.