Tiger Woods rocketed to the top of the leaderboard after making two eagles in the first round of the sprint international at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado early yesterday, his round of 68 worth a total of 14 points. But minutes later, last week's PGA Championship winner Vijay Singh returned a 66 for 15 points, after making six birdies and an eagle three at the 17th.

Jim Carter, with nine birdies and a double bogey, joined Singh at the top of the leaderboard, while the afternoon starters were brought off the course as play was suspended due to lightning.

Richard Coughlan, who gained a last-minute entry to the tournament after being second alternate, started his round late in the afternoon in great style, making birdies at the first two holes and the sixth, to be on six points.

He was forced to mark his ball on the ninth fairway, was threeunder par and still on a total of six points. It looked as though he would have to return this morning to finish his round as there was no sign of a resumption after a 90minute delay.