Kaymer Leads After Abu Dhabi Round 1

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17 January 2008

German golfer Martin Kaymer has a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Henrik Stenson after the first round of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in the United Arab Emirates.

Kaymer had five birdies, one bogey, and an eagle in his round of 6-under-par 66.

Stenson shot a 5-under-par, 67, including seven birdies and two bogeys. Another Swedish player, Robert Karlsson, is tied with Australian Adam Scott at 4-under-par for the tournament.

Three golfers - England's Lee Westwood, Ignacio Garrido of Spain and Peter Hedblom of Sweden - are tied for fifth place at 3-under-par 69. Defending champion Paul Casey of England had a tough time on the Abu Dhabi Golf Club course - firing a 3-over-par 75 in his first round.

The tournament is the first of three European PGA tournaments in the Middle East. Next week the Tour moves to Doha for the Qatar Masters. In two weeks, the Tour stops in Dubai for the Dubai Desert Classic.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.