Garcia leads British Open as Woods lurks

Carnoustie, Scotland - Sergio Garcia shot a six-under par 65 in the first round of the 136th British Open at Carnoustie Thursday to hold a two-shot lead over Ireland's Paul McGinley.

 Defending champion Tiger Woods remained within striking distance following a solid two under 69 as he looks to secure a 13th Major and also become the first player since Australian Peter Thompson (1954 - 1956) to win a hat-trick of Open titles.

 Garcia, still looking for his first Major, went out in 34 and holed four birdies in five holes from the turn but dropped his first shot of the day at 16 before a birdie at 17 saw him return to six under.

 McGinley sits second after netting four birdies on the opening nine to go out in 32 and also birdied holes 13 and 14 before bogeying the 15th and 16th.

 But he held his nerve, parring the final two holes for a 67.

 New Zealand's Michael Campbell lies third in the clubhouse thanks to a three under 68 that included six birdies. However, the 2005 US Open champion also bogeyed the 10th, 12th and 16th to come back in 35.

 This year's US Open winner, Angel Cabrera, also finished the day on three under, alongside Austria's Markus Brier, American Boo Weekley and 18-year-old Irish amateur Rory McIlroy, who shot a bogey- free round.

 Argentina's Cabrera netted four birdies with just one bogey at the 12th.

 South Korea's KJ Choi was the early leader on the course and finished on two under, as did American Stewart Cink and favourite Woods.

 "The back nine is really tough. It played quite long coming in," said Woods.

 "Overall, to play the last three holes one under par, I'll take that any day."

   Two-time Dunhill Links winner Padraig Harrington also finished at two under as did Miguel Angel Jiminez.

 Masters champion Zach Johnson shot a two over 73 as did local favourite Colin Montgomerie.

 The winner of the tournament will pocket 1,11 million euros (1,52 million dollars) of the total purse of 6,24 million euros. dpa