Japan: Australian Paul Sheehan shot a 4 under 67 on Thursday to take the lead after the first round of the Dunlop Phoenix tournament.
Sheehan birdied Nos. 7 and 8 at the par 71 Phoenix Country Club and added two more birdies on the back nine to take a one stroke lead over a group of seven golfers including American Brandt Snedeker and Japan's Toru Suzuki. South Africa's Ernie Els shot a 72 to finish in a tie for 34th place.
Defending champion Ian Poulter of Britain was a further stroke back after a 73. The 2.1 million event is one of the richer tournament's on the Japanese men's tour. Recent winners include Tiger Woods (2004 and2005) and Padraig Harrington (2006).
