Fowler leads by one shot

Fowler leads Scotland's Raymond Russell, Germany's Marcel Siem, Spain's Jesus-Maria Arruti and England's David Lynn by one shot.

Two back were a host of players including European PGA champion Ignacio Garrido, Lee Westwood and Jarmo Sandelin.

It was a stunning performance from the 44-year-old from Sydney who considered quitting the sport six years ago to go back to teaching.

"I realised I was crap. I was playing rubbish and I knew I just wasn't good enough but it took me a while to realise it," admitted Fowler.

LEADERBOARD 65 Peter Fowler (Aus) 66 Raymond Russell, Marcel Siem (Ger), Jesus-Maria Arruti (Spa), David Lynn 67 Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Lee Westwood, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 68 Simon Khan, Greg Owen, Andrew Coltart

"It has taken me since mid-97 to get my game better. It's been a good learning curve.

"I started well this year. All the time I see I am improving," added Fowler who has had four top 10 finishes this year.

Scotland's Raymond Russell gave credit for his six-under-par to "a kick up the backside" by coach Bob Torrance.

"I think I should be doing a lot better than I am," said the 31-year-old.

"I know how good I can play, but I've underachieved for five years now.

Monty was unhappy with photographers at the seventh

"You have to watch out here that you don't get into a comfort zone. It's very easy and hand on my heart I have probably done it the last couple of years.

"Bob probably spoke to me as harshly as he can - I can't repeat it. And a couple of other people also told me I'd been walking about in a dream and it was time to wake up."

Colin Montgomerie could do no better than one-over for his opening round.

The Scot was upset by some photographers at the par-five seventh were he ran up a double bogey before yelling, "I said no pictures and I mean no pictures."

After the round, Montgomerie said: "It was not a happy situation. They were taking pictures when I was trying to concentrate.