Date: November 01, 2007
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Aussies upstage stars in Singapore

Australia&aposs Gavin Flint and Kane Webber have upstaged a world-class field to take a share of the first-round lead at the Singapore Open. Flint birdied his final two holes after teeing off in the third group of the day to take charge and the clubhouse lead of the lucrative event. The 26-year-old&aposs opening round 66 saw him close five-under-par, tied with American Jim Park and countryman Webber with three rounds to play. Webber was one off the pace after 17 holes but birdied his final hole to move himself atop a leaderboard missing some of the bigger names at the event. Another Australian, Adam Scott, shot a one-under-par 70. Scott is seeking a hat-trick of titles at the event and the world No.6 ended his round in a share of 14th at the demanding Serapong Course. It wasn&apost so good for the hometown hero, however, with Singapore&aposs leading player Mardan Mamat disqualified after he signed for a three-under 68 instead of 69. American Phil Mickleson remains right in the picture after his opening round 68, despite some trouble off the tee. The world No.2 is tied with KJ Choi, two shots adrift of the surprise trio at the head of the field. Flint was delighted with his morning&aposs work. “I hit the ball and putted really well today,” he told reporters after his round. “There are four or five really strong holes that you must have good tee shots on. I was able to do that, which is probably the key to going low on this course.” Ernie Els managed only to post a one-over-par 72 in the testing afternoon session.