Davies cuts it with the men despite shaky start

LAURA DAVIES, who was so racked with nerves she hardly slept a wink, overcame debilitating pressures to make a credible debut on the European Tour at the ANZ Championship in Australia yesterday.

In one of only two men's professional tournaments in the world to use the modified stableford points format, Davies recovered from a shaky start to sink two birdies on her back nine and finish on minus one point.

To put that performance into context, Australia's Nick O'Hern led the field after the first round on 18 points while Jeppe Huldahl brought up the rear on minus seven.

"Minus one to the field looks terrible, to the guys who are shooting 18 points, but I am pleased with it," she said after playing her first competitive round in two months.

The former world number one outdrove both Peter Senior and Jean van de Velde and, after shaking the nerves which infected much of her round, sank two birdies to shoot a 75.

The manner of her round left Davies thinking positively about today and making the cut her stated goal before the tournament began.

"I'm glad I am doing it because I think I have a legitimate chance of making the cut, but I will have to play really well."

Davies finished tied for 124th place with van de Velde, one point ahead of New Zealander Mahal Pearce, a top-10 finisher at the Heineken Classic last week.

O'Hern led the way after shooting an eight-under-par 64 containing four birdies and two eagles.

"I really lit up on my front nine," said the Australian, who started on the 10th tee.

"You have really got to go after things and if you make a bogey it is only one point lost which doesn't hurt too much."

O'Hern was two points clear of England's John Bickerton on 16 and four up on Australian Nick Flanagan, the US amateur champion, and Steve Webster who are tied for third.

Swedes Peter Hedblom and Joakim Haeggman followed, with Mark Foster on 12 points.

Ireland's Gary Murphy is on +4, Graeme McDowell +3 and Peter Lawrie on 0.

Miles Tunnicliff finished on nine points, Nick Dougherty on seven, level with Brian Davis and Ian Woosnam, while defending champion Paul Casey opened with an erratic 73 worth four points.

Peter Baker finished one point behind Davies on minus two, along with Pearce and Craig Spence.

David Howell withdrew from the tournament after his caddie took ill.