Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands and Spain’s Santiago Luna maintained the tradition of long-odds leaders in the Victor Chandler British Masters at The Marquess Course, Woburn Golf & Country Club.
Last season Frenchman Thomas Levet high-fived his way to victory in a four man play-off at odds of 125-1 with the sponsors. This time around, the top of the leaderboard was packed with names which could be located closer to the bottom than the top of the bookmaking lists.
Derksen, a graduate from the Challenge Tour last season and Luna, winner of the 1995 Madeira Island Open, both opened their challenge on a squally morning at attractive odds of 200-1 and 66-1 respectively but soon saw those slashed after posting scores of 67, five under par. The Dutchman is now a 50-1 shot with Luna’s previous winning form making him a 20-1 chance.
The front-running pair led the way from the host of players on four under par, including Ryder Cup rookie, Phillip Price, two-time tournament winner Ian Poulter and Denmark’s Søren Hansen, who gained inspiration from the Volvo PGA Championship win of his namesake, Anders, last Sunday.
Derksen, who has his own Internet Site and regularly supplies his own twice weekly up-dates, should have plenty of positives to write after his first round. Yet the 28 year old was close to missing the tournament as hie father, Jan, retired this week and held a family party to celebrate.
“We had a great party on Tuesday and I only had about two or three hours sleep” he said. “I got here and walked the course as I couldn’t fit in a practice round. Maybe my expectations were lower as a result but I am pleased with that round. It’s been difficult to write good things on the Website recently because of the way I’ve played but this helps.”
Luna, who claimed the scalp of Tiger Woods in the Alfred Dunhill Cup four years ago, couldn’t decide which putter to use before teeing off. He experimented with four – two long and two short – and elected for the longer variety. It was a sound move as he carded five birdies and an eagle in his 67.
“I am glad I took the long one because I putted wonderfully” said Luna, who has about 30 in his collection. “When I am not putting well the first thing I do is change the putter.”
Defending champion Levet drew on the memories of last year by steering a clever path through the sentinel Woburn trees, picking up four birdies and not dropping a shot. He said: “I felt relaxed today. All have on this curse is good memories and I just remember the good shots.”
Price, who makes his Ryder Cup debut at The De Vere Belfry in September, showed signs of a return to form with his 68 while Scottish amateur champion Barry Hume from Glasgow enjoyed the rarified atmosphere at the head of affairs when he briefly reached five under par. The 20 year old dropped two shots in the closing three holes but nevertheless finished creditably on 69.
Colin Montgomerie, the tournament favourite with Victor Chandler in spite of the back injury which has received almost as many column inches in the sports pages as David Beckham’s foot, shot a two under par 70.
