Kingston takes first day honours

South African James Kingston took advantage of a late invitation to the Wales Open to take a one-stroke lead at Celtic Manor on Thursday.

Kingston's 7-under-par 65 with seven birdies gave him the advantage over than home favorite Bradley Dredge, while Dutchman Rolf Muntz and Belgian Didier De Vooght moved within two strokes off the lead to lie third.

"My aim is to play full-time on the European Tour and this invitation this week, which I only got last Tuesday when I returned from playing the Dutch Open, has given me another opportunity of making my card," said Kingston.

The South African is attempting to build his reputation on the European Tour after a successful run on the Asian Tour.

"I played the early part of the season on my Asian and South African tour ranking but I'm grateful to be given invitations.

"I've two more, next week [North West of Ireland Open] and in a few weeks' time in the Dunhill Links Championship."

Kingston would have been preparing for the second part of the Asian Tour -- on which he has had four career wins -- but has now opted to play in Europe following his strong showing.

He endured mixed fortunes at the British Open, where he finished as top qualifier at the Gullane course to earn his Muirfield place but then slumped to 15-over-par in the actual tournament.

"I had played nothing for six or seven weeks before the British Open," Kingston said. "And even though I won my qualifier on 11-under-par, when it came to the tournament itself, on certain shots where I had to pull the gun I felt I didn't have anything I could rely on."

However, the victory of compatriot Ernie Els at Muirfield left Kingston with plenty of good memories.

"I walked around with Ernie on the last day and supported him. And I had a couple of sips from the claret jug [British Open trophy]!"

Second-placed Dredge said his knowledge of the grain in the Celtic Manor greens helped him.

He lives only 30 minutes from the course and practices often at the venue.

"I come up here regularly and chip and putt, so I know all about the grain of the greens, which you have to be very aware of," said Dredge, bidding to go one better than his two career runners-up places.

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