Woods putts during his practice round

They were joined by in-form Dane Thomas Bjorn and Australian Adam Scott, who celebrated his 21st birthday yesterday with an early night in order to be in top form for this morning's dawn call.

All four players looked to be hitting the ball well and were certainly making the most of the peaceful golf course and light winds.

In most professional events practice rounds get really slow and tedious as players take extra practice putts, extra shots from the bunkers and, especially here on the Lytham links, attempt to master the run-up shot so seldom used in the Major events on the US Tour.

Although Tiger wasn't held up by any players, he was held up momentarily by a large Japenese camera crew who were out on the course covering a preview piece with golfing legend Isio Aoki.

Oriental remedies

In the middle of the 13th fairway, the large entourage accompanying Aoki engulfed Tiger Woods.

Aoki called over to Woods: "Tigersan", and from a small velvet sack, Aoki produced a gift for the world's number one: Tiger balm.

Aoki obviously thought that Woods, at the grand old age of 26, needs Oriental remedies for his ailments.

Aoki had been given permission to play the course ahead of the field today as part of his preview for Asaki television.

The Japanese golfing public shows huge interest in The Open, despite the lack of success of the Japanese players.

Those who overcame the obstacles were treated to uninterrupted views of the world's number one playing relaxed golf