NATIONAL SPORT: Garcia surges to the top (From Free Press Series)

NATIONAL SPORT: Garcia surges to the top

12:30pm Friday 9th May 2008

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SERGIO Garcia found his long-lost putting touch to take the lead after the first round of the Players Championship.

Spaniard Garcia has been extremely quiet since his play-off loss to Padraig Harrington at last year's Open, but he took advantage of idyllic morning conditions to card a six-under-par 66 at Sawgrass.

American pair Kenny Perry and Paul Goydos are two strokes adrift.

Ian Poulter is leading the British challenge after carding a 69, while Lee Westwood shot a 73 during the afternoon.

"I played very smart, hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, and I made some good putts," said Garcia, last year's runner-up.

"I've been close two or three times (here), so I'm looking forward to giving myself plenty more chances."

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