Mahan sets early Firestone pace, Woods trails by one02.08.2007 19:00 SportsBy Mark Lamport-Stokes AKRON, Ohio (Reuters) - In-form Hunter Mahan took early control at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational on Thursday with five-times champion Tiger Woods in hot pursuit. Mahan, who has posted top-10 finishes in his last four PGA Tour starts, fired a three-under-par 67 to set the first-round pace in sweltering conditions at Firestone Country Club. The 25-year-old American birdied three of his last five holes to finish one stroke in front of compatriots Woods, Mark Calcavecchia and Boo Weekley plus Australian Stuart Appleby. Britain's Justin Rose, boosted by an eagle at the par-five second, opened with a 69 to lie two off the lead alongside Americans Kenny Perry and Chris DiMarco. Woods, hunting his sixth victory here in nine appearances, was satisfied with his opening round on one of his favourite layouts. "I hit the ball pretty good today, just had a couple of loose shots and my short game was decent," the 12-times major winner told reporters. "I had a pretty good touch on the greens. "I do feel comfortable around here. I don't know what it is. This course just fits my eye and for some reason I've had some success here." Woods, bidding for a third successive title at Firestone, said he had never seen the par-70 South Course play as fast. Continued... Source: reuters.comwww.alllee.com |
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