Pampling takes narrow advantage

Australia's Rod Pampling shot a six-under-par 66 to take the first-round lead in the Houston Open on Thursday.

Pampling, in his second season on the PGA Tour, leads American Chris Riley by one stroke.

Defending champion Fred Couples opened with a one-under 71 while Fiji's Vijay Singh, the world number two, had a two-over 74.

Pampling, one of the back-nine starters, birdied his first three holes and went out in four-under 33. He birdied two more holes coming in for the bogey-free 66.

Riley, who has one victory in six years on the PGA Tour, had a much more erratic round.

Also a back-nine starter, Riley bogeyed the 11th hole, then racked up three straight birdies beginning at the 13th. He made two bogeys to close his opening nine on even par.

On his inward nine, however, Riley carded five birdies against no bogeys.

India's Arjun Atwal, South Africa's Deane Pappas, Frank Lickliter II and Stephen Ames of Trinidad and Tobago share third place on 68.

U.S. Ryder Cup captain Hal Sutton heads a group of eight players another stroke back. Joining Sutton on 69 are Steve Pate, John Riegger, Tim Petrovic, Dudley Hart, Joey Sindelar, Patrick Sheehan and Steve Stricker.

Sutton has made the cut in only two of eight tournaments this season. His best finish is a tie for 44th in the Nissan Open.

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