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Korean Choi leads Open in California by one stroke

15/02/2008

Korean KT Choi carded a six-under 65 to lead after the opening round of the Northern Trust Open in California.

Choi fired six birdies to lead American Kevin Na by a stroke, while home favourites Chad Campbell and Vaughn Taylor are on four-under at the Riviera Country Club.

England's Luke Donald lies on three-under-par after carding 68. The Ryder Cup star is joint-fifth with eight other players, including world number two Phil Mickelson and Germany's Alex Cejka.

Donald began with two birdies in three holes and dropped his only shot with a bogey on the par-four 15th.

Open champion Padraig Harrington finished on two-under-par after going round in 69, which included five birdies and three bogeys.

Choi, 37, admitted that he benefited from an early tee-off time which allowed him to avoid the strong winds in the afternoon.

"This course, I've always had trouble putting and my iron shots have always been a problem," Choi said.

"I felt like they were working today, and I think even the weather was pretty pleasant when I played, so it worked out good."

Meanwhile England's Justin Rose is one over on 72, while compatriots Paul Casey (73) and Lee Westwood (74) are also off the pace.