You are in > manchester.com  > News > Solid start for Garcia in European title defence

Golf

Solid start for Garcia in European title defence

07/09/2006

Sergio Garcia lived up to his top billing at this week's Omega European Masters in Switzerland as he shot a promising three-under-par 68 on day one.

With the Ryder Cup clash at the K Club a fortnight away, the Spaniard is hoping to gain some winning momentum to take to Ireland as well as retaining the title he won here 12 months ago.

But his round started in the worst possible fashion as, teeing off from the tenth, he hit a bogey five to instantly slump to one over.

His form noticeably improved after his early error, however, and back-to-back birdies on 14 and 15, his fifth and sixth holes, were followed by two more on the 17th and the first, his eighth and tenth.

Meanwhile, the early clubhouse lead was taken by English duo Robert Coles and Anthony Wall, both of whom carded seven birdies and two bogeys to set a pace of five-under-par.

Simon Khan and Sam Little both shot fine rounds of 67 to grab an early share of third place, while Phillip Archer, Andrew Marshall, Simon Wakefield and Andrew Butterfield all sit in sixth place alongside Garcia.

Star attraction, American teenager Michelle Wie, is among the later starters today as she aims to make a second halfway cut in ten appearances in men's events.

© Adfero Ltd