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Frustrated Campbell meets expectations in Malmo

03/08/2006

Michael Campbell has lived up to his top billing by shooting to within one shot of the early pace on day one of the Scandinavian Masters in Barseback, Malmo.

The New Zealander a former US Open champion, carded six birdies and two bogeys en route to a four-under-par 68.

Campbell has been struggling for form this season and has decided to take part in this week's event, unlike most of the game's top players who are resting, in an attempt to rediscover his touch.

He was disappointed after his opening round, however, and admitted after that "a 68 is probably the worst I could have shot today".

He added: "I had 275 yards to the pin on the last and smashed a 3-wood to six feet but missed it for an eagle.

"I had a great start and was four under after nine but after that the putter went cold a little bit and I am walking off a little bit disappointed.

"It's been frustrating the last couple of months like that, hitting the ball great and not really scoring."

Campbell, who is without a strokeplay tournament victory since his Pinehurst triumph in 2005, sits one shot behind clubhouse leader Marc Warren.

The unheralded Scot, more used to the Challenge Tour than the European Tour, fired a bogey-free five-under-par 67 to grab an early lead of the £1.1 million event.

Pre-tournament favourite Henrik Stenson is currently two shots back after shooting a 69 while defending champion Mark Hensby, who claimed the title thanks to a play-off victory over Stenson last year, shot a 72.

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