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Dougherty outshines Woods in Shanghai

10/11/2005

English star Nick Dougherty enjoyed a stunning first day at the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, outshining world number one Tiger Woods and grabbing a share of the early lead.

Dougherty fired an opening round eight-under-par 64 at the Sheshan International golf club to finish in a three-man group with Scotland's Paul Lawrie and Australian Peter O'Malley.

The 23-year-old, who won his maiden European Tour title in Singapore in January, did not drop a shot on his way round and ended with aplomb by carding a brilliant eagle at the last to equal his best-ever Tour round.

In start contrast, Woods plugged in a bunker at his last, the par-four ninth, and eventually bogeyed it to drop out of the early lead.

The American did, however, card ten birdies to offset three bogeys during his round and Dougherty was quick to acknowledge that Woods remains the man to beat, something he is desperate to do.

"It would be a dream scenario to have a crack at him on Sunday," Dougherty said.

"It would be fantastic. I would love it. I idolise Tiger. He's everything I want to be."

US Open champion Michael Campbell started well with a 66 to finish one clear of world number two Vijay Singh.

But European number one Colin Montgomerie endured a disappointing day carding a two-over-par 74.

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