Goosen leads 1st round of Lancome Trophy

Saint Nom La Breteche:

US Open Champion Retief Goosen of South Africa shot a seven-under-par 64 to take the first round lead in the Lancome Trophy. He has a two-shot lead over six players who are tied for second place - two Scots, Andrew Coltart and Gary Orr; two Englishmen, Steve Webster and Gary Emerson; Mikael Lundberg of Sweden and Australia's Scott Gardiner. It was a subdued day's play at the Saint-Nom-La-Breteche course, the first European Tour event since last Tuesday's terrorist attack in New York and Washington. The play was marked by an impeccably observed minute silence at midday. Scotland's Andrew Coltart began with a bogey, but recovered with a fine second shot to the fifth hole making six birdies to finish at five-under-par 66. European Ryder Cup team member Sergio Garcia of Spain played the best round amongst the members of his team with a round of three under 68. Scotsman Gary Orr also finished at five under par with an eagle on the tenth and two birdies in the last three holes. While Swedish Mikael Lundberg set the course on fire with an eagle and five birdies till the 12th hole but a double bogey on the 18th saw him finish at five under. Lundberg's playing partner Steve Webster gave him company with seven birdies of his own carding a five under par 66. But the round of the day came from the US Open champion, Retief Goosen. The South African who is also the defending champion mad a string of birdies including this on the ninth hole. His second shot on the 10th hole set him up for a 17th straight birdie. The birdie on the 13th hole ensured he remains favourite for the title as he takes a two shot lead and he will be hoping he can maintain his good form.