Patrick Reed secured a two shot lead after the opening round in Shanghai ©Getty Images

Masters champion Patrick Reed secured a two-shot lead after the opening round of the World Golf Championships event in Shanghai.

The American enjoyed a strong day on the Sheshan International Golf Course, as he carded an eight-under-par round of 64.

Reed had a putt for birdie on each of the holes during the opening round of the event, which he ended without a bogey to his name.

He lies two shots clear of his nearest rivals Tony Finau and Xander Schauffele, with his fellow Americans achieving six-under-par rounds.

England’s Matthew Fitzpatrick lies five-under-par to lie in fourth position overnight.

Five players are a further shot back, including England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

World number one Brooks Koepka had a mixed day on the course, with the American carding an even par round of 72.

This included one birdie and a bogey.

He is joined on the score by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy.

Tony Finau is in a tie for second place ©Getty Images
Tony Finau is in a tie for second place ©Getty Images

All three of the 2018 major winners, 10 of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and five previous champions are competing at the final World Golf Championship tournament of the year.

The opening three World Golf Championship events of the year have all been won by American players.

Phil Mickelson emerged as the winner of the first tournament in Mexico, while Bubba Watson won the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

Justin Thomas then triumphed at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone.