ST ANDREWS, 9 October 2004 — Europe’s Ryder Cup players continued to bask in the glow of their victory over the United States as David Howell and Luke Donald climbed to the top of the Dunhill Links Championship leaderboard yesterday.

Howell fired a seven-under-par 65 in his second round over the Old Course at St Andrews, moving to 14-under-par 130, a stroke ahead of fellow Briton Luke Donald, who also carded a 65. Howell’s experience at Oakland Hills has lifted him to the brink of a second tour win following his triumph in Desert Classic. Englishman’s seven birdies and a chip-in eagle-two at the 18th, his ninth hole, continued the fine form he showed in finishing third in last week’s WGC-American Express Championship. Jamie Donaldson, held third place in the clubhouse, four shots off the lead, after also shooting a 65 at St. Andrews. Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland was just one shot behind the leader with four holes to play at Carnoustie, while Colin Montgomerie’s 67 at St. Andrews took him to within five strokes of Howell.

Ellis in Seven-Way Tie for Las Vegas Lead

Danny Ellis posted the lowest score but had to be content with a share of the lead on eight-under-par with six other players after the first round of the $4 million Las Vegas Championship on Thursday.

Ellis fired a 63 at the par-71 TPC at The Canyons, one of three courses being used this week, and was tied with Scott Verplank, Harrison Frazar, Kent Jones, Steve Lowery, Billy Mayfair and Jason Bohn, who all shot eight-under 64s elsewhere.

At seven-under were Justin Leonard, Tom Lehman, Robin Freeman, Danny Briggs and Brett Quigley. Former British Open winner David Duval recorded a five-under 67 while defending champion Stuart Appleby of Australia was on two-under 69.

Park Seizes Share of Early Lead

In North Augusta, South Carolina, South Korea’s Grace Park carded a six-under-par 66 on Thursday and holds a share of the lead after the first round of the one million LPGA Asahi International Championship.

On Thursday, Park posted nine birdies to forge a tie for first with Kim Saiki and Italy’s Cavalleri. She collected consecutive birdies on Nos. 2-3 and 5-6 before recording four straight beginning at No. 12. Saiki birdied Nos. 5-6 and 11-12 before registering an eagle on the par-5 16th.

Cavalleri is seeking her first LPGA title and best finish of the season since tying for 11th at the Sybase Classic in May.