McGrane leads in South Korea

Golf:Ireland's Damien McGrane claimed a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Ballantine's Championship in South Korea, carding eight birdies in a six-under-par round of 66 at Blackstone GC.

The 40-year-old from Meath, the winner of the China Open in 2008, is one clear of Chile’s Felipe Aguilar, England’s Richard Finch and home favourite Park Sang-hyun, while world number one Lee Westwood was on level par after closing with a double bogey..

“I made plenty of birdies and I putted nicely,” McGrane said. “I holed everything inside 15 feet. I made two bogeys which were out of nowhere really but that’s golf I suppose.

“The fairways are generous and, just like last week, you make birdies on day one and keep going till the end of the tournament. That’s what I started off doing, so hopefully I’ll do it at end of the tournament.”

Westwood, who returned to the top of the world rankings following his victory at the Indonesian Masters last week, made a solid start in Incheon before ending with a six at the par-four ninth — his 18th of the day.

Scotland’s Richie Ramsay is in fifth place alongside Chinnarat Phadungsil of Thailand while Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez is in a share of 11th.

Ernie Els shot a one-over 73 in his opening round, a shot better than Ian Poulter, who had two double-bogeys in his 74.

Paul McGinley and Michael Hoey are both one under after 71s, while Shane Lowry and Gareth Maybin shot level-par 72s.