Dixon leads at Vivendi, Harrington looking good
More than half the field are yet to finish the first round of today's Vivendi Cup at France's Golf de Joyenval, but they'll have to go some to catch up with current leader David Dixon.
The 33-year-old Dixon hit seven birdies and an eagle on a flawless round to take the clubhouse lead of nine-under-par 63. He is trailed by fellow Englishman Chris Gane, in second place on seven-under, while Scotland's Andrew McArthur, Holland's Robert-Jan Derksen, England's James Morrison, Australia's Scott Strange and France's Francois Delamontagne and Fabien Marty are all on six-under.
This week's European Tour event offers a last attempt for Padraig Harrington to tune up his game before next week's Ryder Cup, and thus far the Irishman is looking pretty solid, having played the front nine with five birdies and a bogey to tie for 13th place so far on four-under.
The Dubliner, who hasn't won on tour since he secured the PGA Tour Championship in 2008, admits he was disappointing in the Ryder Cup of two years ago. "I was flat then. Whatever happens this time I don't think I'm going to be flat. I'm hoping for the Ryder Cup to be my peak this year."
"I'm working towards that and definitely there's a sense of expectation. There's definitely more pressure, but pressure brings a bit more adrenaline, more nerves, more focus."
The 39-year-old is playing alongside his brother Fergal today, with the opening two rounds of the competition being played in a pro-am format.
Harrington maybe the biggest name in action here, but the three-time major winner was not intended to be the lone representative of Colin Montgomerie's team in the field. Peter Hanson has had to pull out of the tournament at Chambourcy, near Paris, the Swede having withdrawn with a chest infection and a head cold.
Hanson, who nailed his place on the Ryder Cup team with his win at the Czech Open this summer, opted to remove himself from this week's competition in order to be sure of being fully fit for Celtic Manor next week.
And the Swede admitted: "It's not ideal the way I want to prepare this week. But like Colin said, we don't want to be sick next week, so I'll try to treat that and see the doctor."
Hanson will be making his debut appearance at the Ryder Cup next Friday, illness permitting; captain Montgomerie has already revealed he will be playing all 12 members of his team on the opening day of the tournament.
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