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Stenson leads field in Sun City

30/11/2006

After the first round in the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, Swede Henrik Stenson finds himself atop the leader board.

Stenson shot a five-under-par 67 to lead by one shot from American Jim Furyk, last year's winner, in the all-star 12-man field.

David Howell and Padraig Harrington shared third place after carding three-under-par rounds of 69 and home favourites Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel finished the day joint-fifth, one shot further adrift.

Colin Montgomerie recorded a disappointing three-over-par first round of 75 and currently finds himself in last place. The Scot was looking relatively comfortable with the course until he dropped four shots in the final five holes, which has virtually put paid to his hopes of taking the title already.

In 2005, Furyk came through a four-way play-off to triumph at the Gary Player Country Club.

The American Ryder Cup participant, who endured another loss to Europe despite playing a solid tournament at the K-Club in September, looked on good form in the African sun and seems destined to push Stenson all the way.

Both men did not drop a shot all day and will look to extend their lead over the chasing pack when the second round tees off tomorrow.


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