Leadbetter effect revives Westwood

Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Retief Goosen all fired opening rounds of 66 to lie just off the pace in the first round of the Malaysian Open here yesterday.

Goosen, the European No 1, carded an eagle and three birdies at the Mines Resort to finish four shots adrift of the surprise leaders, Arjun Atwal of India and Sweden's Fredrik Andersson. Harrington, second to Goosen on the Order of Merit for the last two years, recorded seven birdies and two bogeys on his return to action after a nine-week break.

Westwood, the former European No 1, showed signs that his long slump may be over with six birdies and just one dropped shot in his second event since consulting his new coach, David Leadbetter.

"A 66 was as bad as it could have been and it's a long time since I've been able to say that," admitted Westwood, who has not won a tournament since October 2000. "I played well and missed a lot of chances but the all-round game was good."

Harrington was equally pleased with his 66 after a winter rest when he went an unprecedented 42 days without even touching a golf club.

"I'm delighted," the Dubliner said. "I'm surprised, considering the way I was hitting it on Monday and Tuesday. I played conservatively all day because I wasn't that confident, but I took my chances on the par fives and easier par fours when they came."