Bebb leads the way

12 April 2012

Welshman Sion Bebb upstaged all the big names to lead the Alfred Dunhill Championship after the opening day at Leopard Creek.

The 39-year-old from Brynsadler carded six birdies and a bogey for a five under round of 67, one stroke ahead of Scotland's Craig Lee and Omar Sandys from South Africa.

All the other big names in the tournament struggled, with home only favourite and former champion Ernie Els shooting a noteworthy two under 70.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke had a topsy-turvy round, hitting four birdies and five bogeys in his round of 73.

Ross Fisher - second in the 2008 European Order of Merit - had a woeful time finishing with a four over 76, which included a six on the par-three 12th hole.

The 2004 champion, Charl Schwartzel, could only fare slightly better, ending the round on three over par.

But the day belonged to world number 431 Bebb, whose dad Dewi won 34 rugby union caps for Wales as a winger in the 1960s.

Speaking afterwards, he admitted that he did extremely well in the tough conditions in what was his third visit to the course.

He said: "(It feels) excellent - I am very happy. It's where you want to be really and I'm pleased.

"It was very difficult out there, the first nine holes and when I started of the 10th, the wind was swirling everywhere. I was hitting good shots, but I still thought it's going to be a very tough day. But I just hung on in there and holed some putts."

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