Olazabal off to a flyer

Jose Maria Olazabal took an early lead in his first-round clash at the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona today.

The Spaniard was two up against American Paul Goydos after three holes at Dove Mountain.

The double Masters champion birdied the first hole to take the lead, and went further ahead when Goydos bogeyed the third hole.

Six of the 32 matches were under way on the opening day of the World Golf Championships event.

Top seed Tiger Woods had a later tee time, up against fellow American J.J. Henry.

Among the early matches, Chris DiMarco was three up after four holes against fellow American Brett Wetterich, while South African Trevor Immelman went two up after five against Thomas Bjorn.

Defending champion Geoff Ogilvy, of Australia, was all square after four holes against American Steve Stricker.