Price takes lead on windy opening day

Phillip Price mastered the cold and blustery conditions at the Belfry as he took a one-shot lead in the Benson and Hedges International Open.

The Welshman was the only player to beat 70 as the conditions made playing near impossible, hitting a three-under-par 69. He leads Frenchman Jean Van de Velde and Germany's Thomas Goegele by a stroke as he bids to win only his second career tournament.

Australian 19-year-old amateur Adam Scott, playing his third European Tour event after challenging strongly in his previous two, was a further stroke back with American Robin Byrd, Padraig Harrington and another Briton, Scot Gordon Brand Jnr.

After his superb round, Price revealed that he loves to play in difficult conditions. He said: "It was windy and cold and I probably did the grinding out better than most. I've had my best results in conditions like these. My game is not glamorous - just all about course management."

While Price led the field, other European stars did not fare so well. Lee Westwood struggled to adapt to the conditions and finished eight shots behind at 77.

Colin Montgomerie managed little better on 76, while Darren Clarke finished on 78 and Open champion Paul Lawrie at 81.

However, they did superbly next to Spanish hero Seve Ballesteros, who hit a quadruple bogie eight on the final hole to end with a shocking 15 over par round of 87, finishing second to last.

Email this page to a friend | Return to top of page