Garcia in hunt as Kjeldsen leads

Dane Soren Kjeldsen took a first-round lead at the Castello Masters with Spain's Sergio Garcia two strokes behind on his home course.

Kjeldsen shot a seven-under-par 64 to lead by a stroke on Thursday.

The 33-year-old said he was trying to find some form after missing out on selection for Europe's Ryder Cup side.

"I desperately wanted to get on the team but I didn't and it knocked me a bit," he said. "There is a long way to go but today was a great start."

Tournament favourite Sergio Garcia closed his five-under par round of 66 with three successive birdies.

One shot behind Kjeldsen on six under were Englishman Richard Finch, Spaniard Ignacio Garrido, Argentine Angel Cabrera and Swede Peter Hanson.

Six players joined Garcia on five under including his Spanish compatriots Jose Maria Olazabal and Alvaro Velasco.

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Among the pack on five under are Yorkshireman Simon Dyson and 2002 Open runner-up Thomas Levet, with both aiming for strong performances to secure entry to next week's season-ending Volvo Masters.

Only the top 60 players in the Order of Merit gain exemption for the event at Valderrama, and the pair sit 62nd and 61st respectively.

"Today was the best I've ever played tee to green," said Dyson. "It was nearly a perfect round.

"I gave myself a lot of chances and I didn't ever feel there was a danger I wouldn't make par.

"I've just got to keep taking every day as it comes and if I can carry on playing like this you never know. We'll see what happens."

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