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Els takes first-round lead at Singapore Open

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-14 14:31

SINGAPORE - South African Ernie Els took a one stroke lead at the Singapore Open on Friday after completing a first round delayed Thursday because of rain.

South Africa's Ernie Els tees off on the 12th hole during the second round of the Singapore Open golf tournament November 14, 2008. [Agencies]

Els, who lost this tournament in a playoff in 2006 before missing the cut last year, sank two birdies in his last four holes to finish out his first round with a 5-under 66. Round two play continues Friday.

Singapore's Lam Chih Bing, bidding to become the first local player ever to win the tournament, finished Thursday with a 4-under 67, one stroke ahead of Australia's Marcus Both (68). Play was halted Thursday because of darkness with almost half the field unable to finish their opening rounds.

"I putted nicely and hit the ball okay," three-time major winner Els said. "I felt comfortable with the swing and I'm pretty pleased with the start."

American Phil Mickelson, who lost his world number two ranking to Spain's Sergio Garcia last week, shot a 2-over 73 to be seven strokes off the pace in the $5 million event.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington, winner of two majors in 2008, had a 1-over 72, while two-time winner Adam Scott of Australia struggled with a five-over 76.