ST ANDREWS // Ross Fisher and Soren Hansen shared the early lead in the first round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship last night. The duo hit superb rounds of eight under par to set an imposing early clubhouse score at the event that will see golfers play at St Andrews, Kingsbarns and Carnoustie over the weekend. Fisher was in impressive form on the Kingsbarns course as seven birdies and an eagle helped the Englishman to an impressive score of 64.
That was matched by Hansen, as the Dane, who was playing at the same course, only carded one bogey in his fine round. On a day of largely low-scoring, first in the chasing pack in the clubhouse is Martin Kaymer. The young German, who won the Abu Dhabi Open in January, struck a round of 65 at Kingbarns, which would have been even better had he not three-putted at the last when he had the chance of an eagle.
The English duo Anthony Wall and David Howell were well poised at seven under par and still on the course with two holes each to play last night. Best of the performances on the opening day at St Andrews came from the Australian Marcus Fraser and the Scottish player Marc Warren. Both players went around the Old Course in 66 to leave themselves at six under par and well placed going into today's second round.
Thomas Levet was the cream of the crop of those who were taking on the challenging Carnoustie course for their opening round. The French player put together a compact round of 67 to leave himself joint 12th in the early standings. @Email:sports@thenational.ae