Sion Bebb takes opening lead with round of 67 - Alfred Dunhill Championship 2007

Bebb's five-under-par 67 left him one ahead of fellow Briton Craig Lee and South African Omar Sandys at the event co-sanctioned by the European and Sunshine tours.

South African duo Thabang Simon and George Coetzee were a further shot adrift on 69 alongside Briton Richard Bland.

World number five Ernie Els was also well placed on two under.

"I have to be happy with a 70, the wind was all over the place," Els told reporters.

"It's strange weather in South Africa at the moment and the wind was swirling around the greens. It made it very hard."

Bebb picked up three birdies on his inward half, the first nine at Leopard Creek, and almost aced the par-three seventh when his tee shot hit the cup and bounced out.

"It was an excellent day. I'm very happy and where I want to be," said the Welshman.

"I holed more putts than I could have expected. My putter was my strongest club today, I needed just 25 putts, whereas last year I was averaging 31 putts per round."

Ryder Cup stalwart Darren Clarke, on the comeback trail after slipping to 247th in the world rankings, carded a 73.

Fellow Briton Ross Fisher, joint leader of the European order of merit with Lee Westwood, went round in 76.