General / Editor / 25 May 2007 /

Anthony Kim shot an opening round 63 to leave him as the clubhouse leader at the Crown Plaza Invitational, although around half the field are yet to complete their first 18 holes.

American Kim fired six consecutive birdies at his last six holes to leave him on -7, one shot ahead of veteran duo Ted Purdy and Jeff Maggert.

The Tour rookie has claimed three top ten finishes already this season, but when asked why he played so well at Colonial on Thursday, Kim found it hard to explain.

The 21-year-old said: "There really wasn't one thing. Usually when something turns around during a round you can tell. I don't know what it was.

"Maybe it was taking the head cover off finally and putting it, or opening my eyes. Something changed, and I don't really know what it was."

Four players are two shots of the pace - Australian pair Nathan Green and Peter Lonard joined Jeff Quinney with rounds of 65, while Frank Lickliter is on -5 and still has ten holes to play.

Tournament organisers say play will start earlier on Friday in order to finish off the first round, ahead of the second round later in the day.

Having traded at 46 prior to the start of the tournament, Kim is now the favourite at 9 to take the title on Sunday. The rookie is trading at 1.72 to record another top ten finish.

Jim Furyk, currently on -1 after five holes of his opening round, can be backed at 11 while Stewart Cink (-1 after four holes) is available at 19.5. Purdy and Lonard are both on offer at 21.

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