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McDowell in share of lead at Open after first round

17/07/2008

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell carded a first round one-under-par 69 to take a share of the lead at the Open at Royal Birkdale.

The 28-year-old, who won the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond on Sunday, closed with two birdies to secure a share of the lead alongside American Rocco Mediate and Australian Robert Allenby.

Mediate was the man who lost to Tiger Woods in a thrilling play-off at the US Open last month and he continued his rich run of form at the Open.

Former world number one Greg Norman rolled back the years to finish on level-par and is only one stroke off the lead. He is joined on level-par by countryman Adam Scott and American Bart Bryant.

A group of eight players, including two-time US Open champion Retief Goosen and American Jim Furyk are on one-over-par.

Pre-tournament favourite Sergio Garica found it tough going in the wet and blustery conditions and could only manage a round of 72 – meaning he is three shots off the lead. English duo Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter joined Garcia on 72.

Colin Montgomerie stayed in contention despite an inconsistent round of 73, which included three bogeys, a double bogey, and two birdies. Meanwhile defending champion Padraig Harrington played with his wrist injury to card a round of 74.

World number two Phil Mickelson had to deal with a triple-bogey at the sixth hole after he lost his ball in the rough and had to take a penalty shot, before finishing his round on 79.

2002 champion Ernie Els suffered his worst ever round at the Open as he carded a round of 80, which saw him hole a triple-bogey and four bogeys.