Ireland's Padraig Harrington fired a brilliant eight-under-par 64 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Algarve Portuguese Open today.
Harrington carded eight birdies and an eagle and only missed out on equalling playing partner Colin Montgomerie's 12-year-old course record whenhe dropped his second shot of the day on the 18th hole.
Montgomerie struggled to a one-over-par 73 to find himself nine shots off the lead.
England's in-form David Lynn, Sweden's Niclas Fasth, Ireland's David Higgins and former Ryder Cup player David Gilford shared second place on six under par with a further four players another stroke adrift including English pair Ian Poulter and David Howell.
"It was very difficult when the wind got up in the afternoon as expected and I'm delighted with that score," said Harrington, who finished second,fifth and second in consecutive weeks in Malaysia, Singapore and Dubai earlier this season.
-PA-
