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Swede Erlandsson breaks course record to lead in Spain

01/05/2008

Sweden's Martin Erlandsson hit a superb first round seven-under-par 65 to take the first round lead at the Spanish Open in Seville.

The 34-year-old's round broke the course record as he secured a one shot lead over Spanish duo Jordi Garcia and Ignacio Garrido.

Erlandsson, who is ranked a lowly 345th in the world and has never won a European Tour event, birdied the last three holes to take the overnight lead.

Englishman Gary Clark is well in contention after he fired a round of 67, in which he putted eight birdies. The 37-year-old overshadowed his fellow Brits Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke who both struggled.

Clarke, who claimed the Asian Open in Shanghai on Sunday – ending a two-and-a-half year wait for a title, could only finish on two-over-par. He admitted afterwards that he felt "drained" after his exploits last week.

Montgomerie faired a little better as he ended the first round with a level-par 70. The Scotsman, who had been out of action for five weeks in which time he got married for the second time, is looking to improve his chances of qualifying for the Ryder Cup.

"I've won tournaments from worse starts than this," said the 44-year-old, who has slipped to 34th in the Ryder Cup standings.

"My job is to get back into the team and I am nowhere near yet. I'm playing eight of the next nine weeks and I need to win twice."