Swedes Edfors, Lundberg share lead

Abu Dhabi: Swedes Mikael Lundberg and Mikael Lundberg carded rounds of six under par 66 to share the lead in an unfinished first round in the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority-backed US$ 2 million Abu Dhabi Golf Championship.

After a hailstorm halted play for nearly two hours in the morning, the 20 groups that teed off late failed to complete their rounds leaving the two as leaders with a third Swede in third place.

The Swedes seemed to relish the rain-hit National Course at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club as Jarmo Sandelin finished his round one shot behind.

Edfors picked up three birdies on the trot twice and could have picked up another shot but he three-putted the last for a par five to finish with a six under 66.

Defending champion Martin Kaymer shot a four under par 68 to stay within striking distance.

Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey have five holes left to complete their round.

Results:

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship early first round scores as of Thursday at the par-72 Abu Dhabi Golf Club:

66 - Johan Edfors (SWE), Mikael Lundberg (SWE)

67 - Jarmo Sandelin (SWE), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Oliver Fisher (ENG)

68 - Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP), Richard Green (AUS), Martin Kaymer (GER), Andrew McLardy (RSA), Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (FRA)

69 - Gary Murphy (IRE), Thomas Levet (FRA), Graeme Storm (ENG), Alvaro Quiros (ESP), Thongchai Jaidee (THA)

70 - Marc Warren (SCO), Kenneth Ferrie (ENG), Chapchai Nirat (THA), David Nixon (ENG), Mark Foster (ENG)