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Woods pulls ahead

— Photo: AFP

Woods.

CHASKA (U.S.): Tiger Woods didn’t need any dramatics or jaw-dropping shots as he calmly assumed a one-shot lead at the U.S. PGA championship after Thursday’s opening round.

Seven years ago, a younger Woods thrilled everyone at Hazeltine National with a shot from a fairway bunker he called one of his best ever. No need this year, as he merely plodded — his word — his way around the course to take a one-stroke lead over defending champion Padraig Harrington.

Woods shot a 5-under 67, missing just two fairways and three greens. His round was blemish-free, only the third time he’s opened a major without a bogey. The other two were at the U.S and British Opens in 2000, where he just happened to win by a combined 23 shots.

Woods’ record, when he has at least a share of the lead through 18 holes, is only 13-11 on the PGA Tour, including 4-2 in the majors. And a few of the golfers right behind him have been here before.

Ireland’s Harrington, who has two British Opens, stayed with Woods through the morning until a bunker shot on the par-5 seventh was too strong and he had to settle for par.

Fiji’s Vijay Singh and American David Toms, also past PGA champions, both shot 69 while playing in the afternoon. — AP

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