Greg Owen leads with opening 66

Greg Owen set the early pace at the Benson and Hedges International with a six-under par round of 66 at the Belfry on Thursday.

The Englishman leads Ian Woosnam by one stroke after the Welshman finished his round with two birdies to soar up the leaderboard.

Angel Cabrera of Argentina is four-under after the opening round, with Anthony Wall and David Carter also two shots off the lead.

Jose Maria Olazabal, another past winner of the tournament and number three on the Volvo Order of Merit, could not improve on the last two holes to complete a disappointing 2-over-par.

Padraig Harrington and Colin Montgomerie, who will carry European hopes at the Belfry in September, finished the day on one-under.

And South African Retief Goosen is 1-over-par after his opening round.

Of the early finishers Nicholas Fasth returned a 2 under par 70 and said afterwards "I chipped in at the 6th (my 15th) after messing about on the hole - that was a good break. I missed a lot of tee shots on the right including the 9th when I was blocked out but hit a huge cut round everything and got my par which meant I finished OK. With the Ryder Cup coming up its important to play well here this week - if I play well this week it will make me feel good"

Jamie Donaldson out in the 2nd group at 07.10 returned a 3 under 69, when interviewed said "My expectations are quite high so that makes it very difficult when you're not hitting the ball as well as you can or expect to. Overall I'm pleased to get off to a decent start - even though quite a few shots didn't go where I intended. So I'm off to the practice range and hit some balls - there's quite a bit to come from - I hope!"

Joakim Sandelin with a 69 commented "Played really well for my first 9 holes and then struggled over the last few. I'm hitting the ball well but need to get the putter working better. If I do then who knows what may happen over the next 3 days.

Barry Lane also at 3 under 69 - commented "I was in the bunker off my drive, decided to lay up and lobbed it 80 yards into the lake!. I played well, with only 31 putts. The course is in great condition and it's a pleasure to play here. I love the camaraderie on tour and at 6am this morning when I was hitting some balls I saw some friends of mine who had come from Newcastle and also from right down South - its really nice to have that sort of support.

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