Leading duo predict more low scores

Swede Jarmo Sandelin and Denmark’s Soren Hansen both began the Canaries Spanish Open with eight-under-par rounds of 64 today – and then said they would not be surprised to see somebody shooting the European Tour’s first-ever 59.

At a Costa Adaje course on Tenerife which has six reachable par fives, wide open fairways and precious little rough the scoring was low right from the start.

Even at eight under Sandelin and Hansen led by only two from Londoner Brian Davis, Welshman Phillip Price, France’s Christian Cevaer and Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Half the 156-strong field had yet to start, but favourite Sergio Garcia, trying to become the first player since Max Faulkner in 1953 to retain the title, had to be content with a three-under 69.

“I probably shot a couple over par really,” he said. “I think it is too much of a putting contest this week, but the greens are not the best. To come from Augusta to here is a bit of a change.”

Former Ryder Cup player Sandelin birdied his last four holes for an inward 30 that enabled him to catch reigning Irish Open champion Hansen, who himself birdied four of the last five.

“If there is no 59 I would be disappointed,” said Sandelin. “There are so many eagle opportunities. It takes a lot still, but there are good players in the field.”

Hansen added: “It’s going to be a really low week, but you still have to do it. The key is to stay patient.”

Davis, winner in 2000 and second on his last two starts in Madeira and Portugal, shrugged off flu to reach seven under with one to play, but flew the green at the 404-yard ninth and after waiting around 20 minutes for a ruling bogeyed the hole to fall two behind.

The highlight of his round was a three-wood to three inches for an eagle at the 542-yard 18th.

Garcia also eagled the hole, but was out-played most of the day by playing partner and Ryder Cup team-mate Price, whose only mistake was to bogey the short 16th.