Slattery sets pace in Sweden

Slattery: opening 67

First-round leaderboard:
(GB & Ire unless stated)
L Slattery -6
R Gonzalez (Arg) -5
K Eriksson (Swe) -4
T Goya (Arg) -4
P Larrazabal (Spa) -4
P Martin (Spa) -4

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Lee Slattery fired a fine 67 to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the SAS Masters in Malmo, Sweden.

The Englishman defied the monstrous par-73 Barseback course, at 7,665 yards the longest-ever in European Tour history.

Slattery is without a top-20 finish since coming fourth at the Dutch Open last August, but built on a blazing start to end the day on six-under, one stroke clear of Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez and two clear of a group of four comprising Spaniards Pablo Larrazabal and Pablo Martin, another Argentine Tano Goya and home player Klas Eriksson.

Indeed, there are plenty of Swedes in contention, Martin Erlandsson and Oskar Henningsson, are on three-under, while Alexander Noren is on two-under, Niclas Fasth and Pelle Edberg on one-under and Henrik Stenson on level-par.

However, Stenson - who has promised to donate the £143,000 first prize to his own charitable foundation if he wins this week - was far from happy with his performance.

The Ryder Cup star stated after his 73: "I played like a pig and got away with murder. I didn't play well at all, but the little Seve and Houdini in me was out there."

But there was nothing lucky about Slattery's score as he set the pace with a round that featured seven birdies.

The 30-year-old was the first man out on the course at 7.30am, but he made light of the early start by birdying his first four holes.

Chipped in

Another followed as he chipped in on the sixth and he then sunk a 10-footer on the long ninth to turn in just 30 shots.

But an hour's suspension in proceedings because of the threat of lightning rather derailed Slattery's momentum and on returning he made his only bogey of the day at the 12th.

But he responded by getting up-and-down from a greenside bunker at the par-five 16th to get back to six-under and a par-par finish ensured he posted a clubhouse target that was not to be equalled.

Australian Brett Rumford came close and he reached six-under by the 18th tee, but a triple-bogey seven down the last dropped him back.

Slattery admitted the huge course had proved tough going at times, but was delighted with his efforts.

"The length of the course is ridiculous given the size of the greens," he stated.

"I've not been playing my best and I woke up and just thought 'enjoy it and trust your swing.'

"After making the start I did it just felt like the pressure was off. The field is not as strong this week, so it's a chance to do well and secure my card - although I'm trying not to think about that."