Broadhurst hits front with sizzling 66 at PGA

VIRGINIA WATER, England, May 24 (Reuters) Britain's Paul Broadhurst wielded a red-hot putter to shoot a six-under-par 66 early in the PGA Championship first round today.

The 41-year-old Englishman registered seven birdies to lead by one stroke from fellow countryman Simon Khan, Italy's Francesco Molinari and Marcus Fraser of Australia.

World number five Ernie Els, Yang Yong-eun of South Korea, India's Jyoti Randhawa and Finn Mikko Ilonen shared fifth place on 68.

Broadhurst has suffered a torrid season, with his best performance a tie for 18th place at this month's Andalucia Open.

But he took advantage of calm conditions at Wentworth to recapture the form that has earned six career victories in Europe and a place in the 1991 Ryder Cup team.

Broadhurst needed only 21 putts at the European Tour's flagship event, one shy of the record set by Ireland's Padraig Harrington at the 1998 Heineken Classic in Australia.

''That was probably my best putting round ever,'' he told reporters after matching his lowest 18-hole score of the season.

Broadhurst decided to go back to what he knows best after his struggle for form and it paid off with five birdies in the opening eight holes.

The highlight was a chip-in from 25 yards at the fourth after he found the trees off the tee.

COACH TORRANCE ''My game hasn't been particularly good all year,'' he said.

''I've been searching for the answers.

''I've been working with (coach) Bob Torrance and we just decided to go back to something I had been working on in previous years, and that's what I went with today.

''I got rid of the technique and did what I do best, shoot the score.'' Khan, the 2004 Wales Open champion, did not drop a stroke to par as he blitzed his way to a five-birdie 67.

''There is no doubt this is our biggest tournament bar the British Open,'' said the 34-year-old.

''I feel like I am playing at home and to shoot well around Wentworth is great.'' Khan was runner-up here to Britain's David Howell 12 months ago.

Els, who knows the redesigned Surrey layout better than anyone after masterminding the recent changes to the course, compiled eight birdies.

The South African's progress was stymied however by a double-bogey six at the ninth caused by a three-putt.

''I almost feel like I am hosting the tournament,'' said Els, who has a house on the Wentworth estate.

''Everybody's coming towards me. Some of the players don't like some of the changes but most come back with positive things.'' Reuters RN GC2240