Faldo shows some old flair

Senior British Open:Nick Faldo's first round since joining the senior ranks was one to remember as he finished in a tie for the lead after the first round of the Senior British Open.

The former world number one returned to Muirfield, where he won the Open Championship in 1987 and 1992, and during an eventful 18 holes carded six birdies while dropping three shots. That gave him a three-under-par 68 and put Faldo in a familiar position on the East Lothian course - at the very top of the leaderboard.

He shared the lead with compatriots Gordon Brand Jr and Nick Job, with America's Dave Stockton completing the quartet.

Many of the eyes at Muirfield were focused on Faldo, and a bogey five on the 448-yard par-four first hole was not the start he or they were hoping for. But those who followed Faldo's progress saw him make an outstanding recovery with birdies at the third, fourth, fifth, seventh and ninth holes to reach the turn in a four-under-par 32.

A five at the 14th and six at the long 17th meant he slipped back into the pack, but a closing birdie three put Faldo back in charge.

The six-time Major winner turned 50 last Wednesday and in his first tournament of the year missed the cut in the Open with rounds of 79 and 73, although by reaching the age milestone Faldo became eligible to take part this week. He said of his round: "I was very surprised. I was trying to do the best I could, trying to find a routine and I was able to do it. And that scared me. I didn't know what to do. So then I've got to learn to deal with the different feelings playing this game, which I haven't had in a long time.

"I played solid that back nine - it's a little tougher. I made a mess of 17 and hit a great shot into the last. So I feel I squeezed out of the course and gave back what was about right, so that's pretty good."

Scotland's Sam Torrance was hot on the heels of the leaders in front of his home crowd after a two-under 69 saw him share fifth place, while Ireland's Des Smyth and Mark McNulty were a shot further back.

Smyth shared the lead on three under par at one point following birdies on the first, third, seventh and 12th holes. However, he dropped shots on the 14th and 15th holes to leave him tied-11th on one under par. He was content with his performance, saying: "I'd take 70 around here most days."

Denis O'Sullivan finished on four over par following a round of 75, while Eamonn Darcy was a further two shots adrift.

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