Grewal & Bennett Sneak Clear At Stonebridge - 07/07/2007

FORMER EUROPEAN TOUR player Warren Bennett and rising star Sandeep Grewal share the lead after the opening round of The Sweeney's Environmental Classic at Stonebridge.

Bennett landed eight birdies in his final 12 holes at the Forest of Arden course to recover from a bogey at the third to open the tournament with a seven-under-par 62.

That was equalled by Heswall's Grewal (pictured), who failed to drop a shot and hit seven birdies - including three in his opening four holes and four in five holes on the back nine.

They sit two shots clear of home professional Darren Murphy, who carded a five-under-par 64.

His round included nine birdies, and seven in succession at one stage of the round.

Matthew Richardson, who finished tied second in last week's Towergate Insurance Championship at Maylands, is one of three players a shot behind Murphy at -4.

He was joined by Jon Lupton and James Holmes in opening the tournament with a four-under-par 65, with three other players - Matthew Cort, David Callaway and Michael Kanski - a further shot back.

A total of 13 players are placed at -2, a shot ahead of 14 other contenders - who include current PGA EuroPro Tour Order of Merit leader Damian Mooney - going into the second day.

The top 50 players, plus ties, following Thursday's second round will progress to the final round to compete for the £40,000 prize fund on Friday.