Sugai is shock leader in Seniors Championship

Shock leader after the first round in the MasterCard British Seniors' Championship at Royal County Down is Noburo Sugai from Japan.

He carded a four-under-par 67 with five birdies included.

"I like this course. I feel comfortable here and I have a good combination with my caddie Fergus MacFerran who has been a member at Royal County Down for 40 years," revealed the 52-year-old Sugai.

He leads by one shot from Russell Weir and two from Scots Peter Kerr and John Chillas.

Favourite Tom Watson, making his debut, isn't happy with his 70 that included an eagle and three birdies.

"I didn't hit the ball well and it was a mink-struggle all day," he commented.

Christy O'Connor, despite dropping two shots at the last hole, is best of the dozen Irish players in the championship.

He finished on 73 (two over) and was, naturally, disappointed with that finishing double-bogey.