Stenson tops Nedbank leaderboard

5:26pm Thursday 4th December 2008

Henrik Stenson opened up a commanding lead after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge after carding an impressive nine-under-par 63 at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.

The Swede, who started the round with three successive birdies and had an eagle on the back nine, equalled the course record set by Ernie Els in the final round of the 2002 event.

Stenson is five shots clear of nearest challenger Rory Sabbatini, and seven clear of third-placed Lee Westwood, who posted a 70, going into round two.

Englishman Luke Donald continued his comeback from injury with a level-par 72 to share fourth place alongside KJ Choi, Sergio Garcia, James Kingston, defending champion Trevor Immelman and Robert Karlsson.

Justin Rose was another shot back after a 73.