GOLF
Steele sets the early pace at Zozo Championship
Brendan Steele holds a one-shot lead after finishing his first round with a flourish at the Zozo Championship.
Steele started with a six-under 64 to lead the way at Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club on Thursday.
The American made a first birdie at the second hole and came alive after the turn, making another six gains as his only blemish came with a bogey at 14.
Steele holed his approach shot at the par-four 17th and another birdie at the last put in out on his own at the top of leaderboard in Chiba, Japan.
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The 39-year-old has not won a PGA Tour event since retaining his Safeway Open title five years ago.
Adam Schenk is second place following a bogey-free 65, with fellow Americans Sam Ryder, Matthew NeSmith and Keegan Bradley a further stroke back.
Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele are nicely poised just three shots off the lead along with Kazuki Higa, Maverick McNealy and Mito Pereira.
It was not a good day for defending champion Hideki Matsuyama on home soil, as he is down in 41st after a one-over 71.