Higgins rises to challenge

European Tour: David Higgins intends to make the most of his chances on the European Tour, having gained a new determination after a long and arduous slog away from the limelight last year.

The Waterville man shot a six-under-par 66 to share the overnight lead in the Indonesia Open with Wang Ter-chang, of Taiwan, England's Simon Dyson and Thai star Thongchai Jaidee.

Higgins' round included seven birdies and just the one dropped shot in sweltering conditions that threatened a downpour for much of the day.

But the position he finds himself in is a far cry from the toil he endured last year as he travelled the globe, battling to reclaim his place among the elite.

"The Challenge Tour is very tough and we travel all over the world," Higgins said. "It's a grind more than anything. Every last penny counts.

"You are not there to make money, you are out there to get here. That is what is on your mind the whole year. If you don't get that top 15 it has been a very bad year. It is tough graft. There is a lot of pressure on you.

"I played a lot last year, because on the Challenge Tour you're all over the place, from Kenya to South America, and I just got my card back. I felt I could play the four events at the start of the season, but I couldn't - I had overplayed.

"This is the start of a new year for me and I feel fresh, which is the most important thing for me, and that is showing in the scores.

"Each year you set new goals. I have been on this tour before and I know what I am capable of and how I am playing.

"Obviously, the first thing is to keep my card, but I want to get into contention - as I am now - in as many tournaments as I can, and maybe even win. I feel my game is good enough to do so."

Damien McGrane also made a solid start with four birdies in a three-under 69.

But Peter Lawrie, with a 73, and Michael Hoey, after a 75 which included a triple-bogey six at the third, have their work cut out to make it into the weekend.

Dyson, who did not drop a shot, was happy to be treading familiar turf after his year spent on the Asian Tour in 2000.

Then still a 22-year-old novice, Dyson won three titles and was rookie of the year, ensuring each return to this part of the world is one he welcomes.

"I've got a lot of friends out here and whenever you're here everyone is hospitable," he said.

"The heat is not the best to play in, but you have to get used to it.

"I don't know why I go so well out here. The year I played out here I had three wins, three seconds, a third and just seemed to play really well. I think it is all to do with the putter - it worked that year.

"My putting needs a bit of work, as I haven't been striking the ball well, but I feel refreshed and I am looking forward to the rest of the tournament."