Choi leads at Sony Open

Korean KJ Choi recorded six birdies and finished six-under-64 to take a one-stroke lead in the first round of the Sony Open on Thursday.

Choi, who had three birdies in a five-hole stretch, leads the trio of Jimmy Walker, Heath Slocum and Steve Marino.

Starting on the back nine, Walker birdied four of his first six holes and finished with an eagle on the par-five ninth at the Waialae Country Club.

Sweden’s Daniel Chopra, South African Rory Sabbatini and Chad Campbell lead a pack of nine who finished at four-under par.

Last week, Chopra bested Steve Stricker in a play-off at the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Defending champion Paul Goydos, who also began on the back nine, finished at even-par.

Last January, Goydos edged Luke Donald and Charles Howell by one stroke for his second career PGA Tour title and snapped a victory drought that dated more than 10 years.

However, Goydos started the 2008 season in disappointing fashion, finishing 29th in the 31-player field at the Mercedes-Benz Championship.