Faldo makes a slow start

Golf

Golf

Nick Faldo opened his defence of the Doral-Ryder Open in Miami with a level-par first round of 72. The former world No 1 had the same score as Sandy Lyle, on a day when 33 players were unable to complete their round because of a delay to the start of play caused by fog.

Jesper Parnevik, runner-up in the 1994 Open, headed the European challenge with 68. The Swede was five shots off the lead, held by former US Open champion Lee Janzen.

The American reeled off six consecutive birdies on his way to a nine- under-par 63 to take a one-stroke lead over his compatriot Michael Bradley. Curt Byrum was a further shot back, with Corey Pavin among a group three strokes behind Janzen. Greg Norman, twice a winner of this event, trailed by four shots.

Janzen had a chance to match the course record of 62, but missed an eagle putt from less than three feet at the par-five 17th.

It was not a good day for some of the game's biggest names, including Fred Couples who opened with a three-over-par 75 and John Daly who recorded a five-over-par 77.

n Winds gusting up to 60mph prevented any play in the second round of the Catalan Open at Bonmont, Spain, yesterday. The forecast is for conditions to improve by midday today and that could mean the tournament is reduced to 54 holes.