Tiger now red-hot favourite

Tiger Woods became the hottest first-day favourite in British Open history when he completed his opening 66 at St Andrews today.

Ladbrokes reduced the world number one’s odds from 5/2 to even money.

After laying one bet of £100,000 (€145,400) on Tuesday night and two of £50,000 (€72,700) on Wednesday, the firm received of £60,000 (€87,300) when he was 9/4 during his round.

Robin Hutchison, a spokesman for the bookmakers, said: “No-one has ever been even money or shorter on the first day of the Open.

“We weren’t in the least bit surprised to see him heavily backed before the off, but the punters have just kept on coming.”

Playing partner Jose Maria Olazabal has been cut to 25/1 from 80/1 after shooting four-under, but Jack Nicklaus has drifted out to an improbable 9,999/1 after a 75.