Australian Steven Jones joined local pair Liang Wenchong and Yuan Hao in a share of the first round lead at the China Masters after firing a three-under-par 68 on Thursday.

The round was a huge breakthrough for Jones, who has not made a cut on the OneAsia tour this year and has been working with a sports psychologist to improve his mental toughness.

The leading trio outshone major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Y.E. Yang, who were both level par at the $US1 million event.

Australians Aaron Townsend and Jamie Arnold were in a group of four one shot behind the leaders, while compatriots Chris Campbell, Daniel Fox, David McKendrick, Ryan Haller and Scott Laycock amongst a large contingent at one under.

Six players will have to finish their first round on Friday but none have much chance of catching up with the leaders.

Liang eagled the first hole and birdied the third to continue a run of form that started in Japan two weeks ago when he finished joint runner-up at the ANA Open.

“I’m familiar with Nanshan as I have played here many times,” Liang said in a report released by the organisers.

“The course is in very good condition but really tests my game.”

Only 15 players were under par around the 6,539 metre course.

Oosthuizen – winner of the 2010 Open Championship – said he would probably try to play more conservatively on Friday.

“I’ll just try to hit 18 greens and give myself 18 putts for birdie and hopefully one or two will go in,” he said.

“There are a lot of birdies out there, but that bogey is just lurking around the corner all the time.”