VERSAILLES, France -- South African qualifier James Kamte
and Welshman Kyron Sullivan each shot 6-under par 65s to share the
opening-day lead Thursday at the French Open.
A stroke behind were England's Benn Barham and Graeme Storm, and
Sweden's Steven Jeppesen and Christian Nilsson on the par-71
National Golf Albatross course on the outskirts of Paris.
Colin Montgomerie, the 2000 winner, hit a 3-under 68, along with
Denmark's Thomas Bjorn.
The 44-year-old Scottish player is confident he's getting his
game together after four consecutive missed cuts in the majors and
an 82 at the U.S. Open.
"My swing is back, just like in the '90s," Montgomerie said.
Kamte eagled the third hole and added five birdies.
"If I ever win one of these big events, I will thank Ernie
(Els) right there on the spot," the 25-year-old Kamte said. "He
gave me the opportunities to play back home through his foundation
when no one else would give me the opportunities. If it wasn't for
him, I wouldn't be sitting here today."