Hong Kong, Dec 05: Defending champion Fredrik Jacobson of Sweden got his title defence on track with a steady two-under-par 68 that comprised four birdies and two bogeys. Also on 68 were Jose Maria Olazabal of Spain and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke. "I began slowly with the putter. I missed a number of gettable putts in the first few holes. But I guess I'm still in a good position at the end of the day," said Jacobson. Three-times British Open and U.S. Masters champion Faldo finished with a 69. "I had a good start but lost some momentum on the way home. I didn't take the opportunities that were there," said the 46-year-old Faldo who shipped two bogeys in the last five holes.
Leading first round scores : 62 Richard McEvoy (England) 66 Steven OHara (Scotland) Amandeep Johl (India) 67 Zhang Lian-wei (China) Kim Felton (Australia) Barry Lane (England) Padraig Harrington (Ireland) Michael Campbell (New Zealand) Prayad Marksaeng (Thailand) Desvonde Botes (South Africa) Edward Loar (U.S.) 68 Tsai Chi-Huang (Taiwan) Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain) Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) Nobuhito Sato (Japan) David Geall (England) Harmeet Kahlon (India) Peter Hanson (Sweden) Derek Fung (Hong Kong) Christopher Hanell (Sweden) Matthew Cort (England) Steve Jeppsen (Sweden) Wang Ter-chang (Taiwan) Hennie Otto (South Africa) Garu Rusnak (U.S.) Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) Jason Knutzon (U.S.) Shaun Webster (England).


Bureau Report