Spaniard Javier Colomo took the outright lead at the Hong Kong Open on Thursday, while Australia&aposs Andrew Dodt was one shot off the pace. Colomo posted a bogey-free six-under 66 in the opening round at the Hong Kong Golf Club, with countryman Miguel Angel Jimenez and Dodt sharing second place. Dodt could have taken the upper hand at the European Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned event with eight birdies, but was left to rue three bogeys. Jimenez, who is aiming to become the oldest winner on the European Tour, carded seven birdies and two bogeys. “I played very solid all day,” the 48-year-old said. “I like the place. The first time I came here I won the tournament here and then I won three years later also. “It&aposs an old-fashioned golf course, it&aposs not very long, but I need to be very precise, because if you miss the fairways, you&aposre going to have flyers and the greens are fast.” China&aposs Zhang Lianwei, Swede Fredrik Andersson Hed, Spain&aposs Jose Maria Olazabal, South Korean YE Yang and Italy&aposs Lorenzo Gagli were a further shot adrift at four under. Italian Matteo Manassero, who defeated South Africa&aposs Louis Oosthuizen in a play-off at the Singapore Open last week, led a group of eight players in a tie for ninth at three under. World No.1 and defending champion Rory McIlroy slumped to equal 93rd, with just one birdie and four bogeys in his 73. McIlroy faces an uphill battle to become the first player since the tournament began in 1959 to successfully defend his title. Marcus Fraser (67) was the next best Australian in equal ninth, followed by Scott Hend (68) in a tie for 17th and Darren Beck and Matthew Zions (69) in equal 27th.
Author: Omnisport