Unsung Austin leaves Tiger trailing

The world No 1 Tiger Woods was left trailing by seven strokes in the Buick Open as Woody Austin emerged from the shadows to record a nine under par 63 in Michigan. Austin had only 22 putts as he gathered 11 birdies and two bogeys for a two-shot lead over Paul Azinger, with the Masters champion Vijay Singh and Japan's Joe Ozaki a stroke further back.

The world No 1 Tiger Woods was left trailing by seven strokes in the Buick Open as Woody Austin emerged from the shadows to record a nine under par 63 in Michigan. Austin had only 22 putts as he gathered 11 birdies and two bogeys for a two-shot lead over Paul Azinger, with the Masters champion Vijay Singh and Japan's Joe Ozaki a stroke further back.

Woods had to be content with a 70 in his final preparation before he attempts to win a third successive major when he defends his PGA crown next week at Valhalla. Austin, a 36-year-old former bank clerk from Florida, began with five successive birdies.

Diana D'Alessio was the unlikely leader after the first round of the Du Maurier Classic, the final major of the season on the LPGA Tour. The New Jersey woman hit a five-under-par 67 at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club to take a two-stroke lead. Scotland's Mhairi McKay was three back after a 70.