FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD GB unless stated -3 David Lynn, Ben Mason, Brian Davis, David Howell Selected others: Level Colin Montgomerie +1 Paul Casey +2 Ian Woosnam

Howell carded a three-under 69 and leads with fellow Englishmen Brian Davis, David Lynn and Ben Mason.

Colin Montgomerie finished with a level-par 72 after running up a triple-bogey seven at the 18th.

His playing partners Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood could only manage a 75 and a 76 respectively.

Barry Lane, Angel Cabrera, Pierre Fulke and Wales' Stephen Dodd are among a group of seven players tied for second after 70s.

Paul Casey and Thomas Bjorn started with 73s while Ian Woosnam is one shot worse off on two over par, alongside pre-tournament favourite Darren Clarke.

Two holes in particular, the sixth and the ninth, caused the delay with very strong head winds Tournament director Miguel Vidaor

After his round Montgomerie criticised the slow pace of play.

"Five-and-a-half hours is an hour too long," said the 41-year-old Scot.

"I would not say it affected my concentration, but it became very, very slow. Not only for us, but for the spectators alike."

Asked if he had spoken to any officials on the course about the slow play, the Scot replied: "No - I've had my fill of referees for now."

Players criticise Monty behaviour

That was a reference to the fact he has come under fire from fellow players unhappy about his replacing of a ball during the Indonesian Open in March.

Montgomerie was not punished for the incident but after viewing it on video, he donated his prize money to the tsunami appeal.

British Masters tournament director Miguel Vidaor admitted play had been slow on Thursday.

"It has been a very tough day at the office and the players responded to our every request to keep to our strict guidelines," he said.

"Two holes in particular, the sixth and the ninth, caused the delay with very strong head winds."

Spain's Miguel Angel Martin was disqualified after an opening 71 had put him in contention for the lead.