Tiger takes Route 66

ARE the rest playing for second place? That was the big question in St Andrews last night after Tiger Woods had cruised through the first round of the Open Championship in a near effortless six under par 66.

Even though Woods visited three bunkers three more than in the whole of his 2000 triumph he looked so assured and in control of every aspect of his game that you have to believe nobody will touch him over the next three days.

True, he had the best of the weather yesterday and could have problems should the elements cut up this afternoon, but this hugely positive start is just what the 11/4 pre-tournament favourite wanted.