Rory Shows No Ill Effects From Chubby Breakup, Rash Of Twitter Unfollows

Peter Simpson reports on the first round at the Shanghai Masters where Rory McIlroy made his first appearance after firing agent Chubby Chandler, that "bizarre decision" according to his first round playing partner Lee Westwood (got to love IMG comedians making the pairings!).

McIlroy was paired with world number two Lee Westwood, amid media claims the rivals had fallen out following the Northern Irishman's sudden decision to sack the agent they shared.

Englishman Westwood said on Twitter that his rival had made a "bizarre decision" -- the latest in a series of terse online exchanges between the two over the last month.

But signs of frost between the pair on the front nine soon thawed, with Westwood advising McIlroy on a free drop when he came unstuck in the lip of a bunker on the 15th.

Downright moving how the Rules of Golf bring former stablemates together.

McIlroy shot five birdies on the back nine, eight overall, and was in no mood to discuss his departure from Chandler's International Sports Management during his post-round press conference.

"I've come here to talk about my 66," he said when asked about his move and claims of a rift with his former stablemate.