• Australian Open, Round One

Tiger impresses as Daly storms off

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On the course: Walking with Tiger

Tiger Woods ensured his fond memories of Australia remained intact, after shooting a bogey-free round of 68 in the first round of the Australian Open in Sydney.

Woods' last tournament win was at the Australian Masters two years ago, and the 14-time major winner carried on his good form Down Under. Woods is currently on the comeback trail after a horror run of injuries and personal problems, but on Thursday moved to four-under, suggesting a return to the winner's podium is not yet beyond him.

The American got off to a solid start, but luck was not on his side early on as he saw three putts curl agonisingly off the lip within the first six holes. The former world No. 1 kick-started his round with a birdie on the eighth, before matching that feat with some fine putting on 10, 11 and 13.

Woods' playing partner Jason Day is also in contention after shooting a 69. However, the home favourite was left to rue a bogey on the last hole which would have seen him finish level with Woods.

John Daly, meanwhile, did his best to steal the headlines after sensationally storming off the course while on the 11th hole. The American initially played the wrong ball out of a bunker on the tenth - incurring a two-shot penalty - before playing six consecutive shots into a nearby water hazard. Daly then jumped into a courtesy car straight back to his hotel, leaving event organisers to label his behaviour "unprofessional".

On the course, Jarrod Lyle leads the tournament after the opening round, following an impressive seven-under round of 65. Playing in an early group, Lyle gave the pack a target which none could ultimately chase down.

Dustin Johnson sits in second place at six-under alongside Nick Watney, but Johnson missed a golden opportunity to remain joint leader on day one after carding a bogey on the last. A group of five players, led by US Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples, are all on five-under.

Couples' compatriot Bubba Watson is amongst an even larger group one stroke further back. The 33-year-old, though, did create one of the highlights of the opening day with his eagle on the par-five eighth.

Adam Scott, whose caddie Steve Williams has been the subject of controversy following comments about Woods, appeared to have spoiled his good start by picking up bogeys on the third and fifth holes after firing a birdie on the first. But a spectacular albatross on the eighth, followed by quickfire birdies on 11 and 13 saw the Australian finish on three-under ahead of Friday's second round.

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