MADRID, 22 October 2004 — Switzerland’s Julien Clement, lying 174th on the European money-list, was the surprise early Madrid Open leader after shooting a sparkling first-round 64 yesterday.

Clement, who only came to the Spanish capital to get his game in shape for tour school, moved two strokes ahead of Sweden’s Johan Edfors and three clear of experienced South Africans Trevor Immelman and Darren Fichardt. A near flawless card, including eight birdies, helped the 23-year-old post a seven-under-par 64, which would have been just a stroke off the course record but for preferred-lies.

Clement, whose role model is former world No. 1 Nick Faldo, needs at least second place in Madrid to avoid pre-qualifying.

Edfors, lying 158th on the money-list, is in a similar position.

Immelman challenged strongly despite being laid low with a wasp sting the previous day that caused his knee to swell up during his round.

Britain’s former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker, needing a good result to keep his card and also bypass tour school, made a bad start with a 73.

Eight Isn’t Enough for Singh

In Lake Buena Vista, Florida, eight isn’t enough for Vijay Singh, who says heading into this week’s Funai Classic that he is still hungry for more PGA Tour victories.

“This so-called 10 mark they all talk about, I’d like to achieve that,” the defending champion from Fiji said Wednesday. “I just don’t want the season to end, the way I’ve been playing. I never thought I was going to win this many events, and I’m enjoying it.”

Singh, who overtook Tiger Woods as world number one last month, will play the last three events of the season as he bids to add to his win tally. “Last year I had a great season (four victories), then I had an incredible season this year. How am I going to approach next year? It’s going to be a big disappointment if I don’t win a tournament.”

Only five players have won eight or more times in one season - Byron Nelson (18 wins in 1945), Ben Hogan (13 in 1946 and 10 in 1948), Sam Snead (11 in 1950), Paul Runyan (nine in 1933) and Tiger Woods (eight in 2000).

Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson never won more than seven in a season.

“Just to be even mentioned near those guys, it’s really unbelievable,” said Singh, 41. “I always thought I was going to be number one, but when I actually achieved it, I got a lot of great response from my peers.”