Scott was in good form from the start of play

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD:
US unless stated
-7 A Scott (Aus)
-5 J Gore
-4 L Glover
-3 L Donald (Eng), M Campbell (NZ), D Toms, D Howell (Eng), T Woods
Selected others:
-2 E Els (SA), JM Olazabal (Spa)
-1 P Casey (Eng), S Garcia (Spa)
+1 I Poulter (Eng)

Australia's Adam Scott charged into a two-shot lead in the opening round of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

The world number six rattled up nine birdies and two bogeys on his way to a sparkling seven-under-par 63 at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.

American Jason Gore was alone in second after shooting a 65, with compatriot Lucas Glover a further stroke behind.

Four-time champion Tiger Woods fired a 67 to lie joint fourth with Britons Luke Donald and David Howell.

Americans Davis Love III and David Toms and New Zealander Michael Campbell are also in the group on three under.

Paul Casey shot a 69 while his fellow Englishman Ian Poulter returned a 71.

After a poor tee shot cost Scott a stroke at the par-four 10th, his first hole of the day, he delivered a superb display of driving and approach play to set up several short birdie putts.

I didn't hit the ball very good starting out but I fixed a couple of things Tiger Woods

"I hit a lot of good iron shots and really took the pressure off my putting by hitting them so close," said the 26-year-old told, who finished third at the USPGA on Sunday.

"The birdies just kept flowing. It's got to be right up there with my best rounds of the year."

Scott is yet to triumph this season despite six top-four finishes on the PGA Tour.

Woods, bidding for his fourth successive PGA Tour victory after winning his 12th major at Medinah on Sunday, was delighted with his strong finish.

Although not as sharp as he was at Medinah last week, Woods is perfectly placed to challenge for his 11th individual World Golf Championship title, and fifth at Firestone.

"I didn't hit the ball very good starting out but I fixed a couple of things and managed to turn it around," the world number one said.

"I felt I really played pretty good back nine and got myself only four back of the lead."