Golf: Frustrations for Campbell

SYDNEY - Michael Campbell believes he rediscovered his Johnnie Walker Classic-winning form in the opening round of the $A1 million ($1.25 million) Australian Open here yesterday, so was disappointed his scorecard did not reflect it.

His three-under 69 left him the leading New Zealander and tied for 15th, five shots behind Australian leader Paul Gow.

The next-best Kiwis, just one shot back in a tie for 22nd, were Stephen Scahill, Alistair Sidford and Michael Long, while Stuart Thompson shot even par and Matthew Lane one-over. Paul Devenport and Stephen Gordon found things tougher yesterday, both shot 76.

It was an excellent result for Long who landed in Sydney a day and a half before teeing off after enduring a 16-hour flight from Florida.

While Campbell was happy to leave behind the "miserable" form from last week's Ford Open in Adelaide where he tied for 34th, the Wellingtonian believed he should have made more of the easy nature of the Royal Sydney course.

Campbell predicted yesterday's low scores wouldn't be repeated this week and suggested Gow's tally could be doubled to give the winner a 16-under total on Sunday.

Gow shot nine birdies yesterday on his way to 64 and attributed his turnaround to the introduction of breathing techniques to dispel nerves.

Two shots back in second place were last year's Australasian PGA Tour winner Jarrod Moseley of Western Australia alongside New South Welshman Brendan Jones.

- NZPA