• Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, Round One

Donald dashes ahead in Money List battle

Luke Donald will play with Webb Simpson across the first two days © PA Photos

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Luke Donald gave himself every chance of a historic Money List double by impressing on day one of the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.

World No. 1 Donald, who is aiming to become the first man to top the cash table on both the European and PGA Tour, hit a six-under 66 to move joint-top of the early leaderboard.

If Donald wins the tournament, current money leader Webb Simpson needs to finish alone in second; if Donald fails to win, Simpson can keep him at bay with a three-way tie for seventh or solo eighth. Donald must finish at least second to have any chance; ominously for him, Simpson remains in touching distance thanks to a highly-competitive 68.

It was an eye-catching performance from Donald as he threw down the gauntlet with six birdies - although he will hope to putt better over the final three days, having taken 28 strokes on the green during round one.

Simpson, who finished second in the FedEx Cup standings, will aim to improve in the same area after requiring 30 putts. Neither dropped a shot, which suggests a high-quality showdown will ensue over the weekend.

Donald and Simpson are playing together for the first 36 holes, and Donald revealed they have been goading each other. "He asked when I was having my off-season," Donald said with a smile. "I said, well, it was going to be this week. Thanks for playing the last two weeks."

The Brit was not intending to play at the tournament, but changed his mind when Simpson began to put his Money List lead under pressure.

Fellow Englishmen Brian Davis and Justin Rose, however, struggled on the opening day, with neither able to register a below-par score. Davis fired a two-over 74 courtesy of some wayward putting, while Rose sits yet another stroke back ahead of the second round.

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