Shaw Hill golfer Nick Dougherty got his new European Tour campaign off to a flying start in China.

A stunning eagle on the final hole saw him claim a share of third place behind Tiger Woods and winner David Howell in the HSBC Champions Tournament in Shangai.

Dougherty had shared the lead with Howell at the halfway point, but a third round 73 proved costly before a strong finish saw him close on 274 - 14 under par. Howell held off Woods by three shots to finish on 20 under par.

Dougherty, who finished 15th overall in the Order of Merit for 2005, has put himself in a strong position in the race for a place in the Ryder Cup team next year.