O’Hara leads in search of salvation

O’Hara, who began the year with a fourth-place finish at the Africa Open, needs at least a similar outcome at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Serengeti course and began with a seven-under-par 65.

A team-mate of Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell in the 2001 Walker Cup, the 31-year-old shares top spot with South African Jbe Kruger.

Twice winner Retief Goosen is among those only one behind, while five-time champion Ernie Els began his title defence with a 69 and Malton’s Simon Dyson – at 32nd in the world the highest-ranked player in the field – produced a 70.

Harrogate’s John Parry carded the same score and Richard Finch, of Hull, shot 72.

England’s Nick Dougherty looks like missing his 31st cut in 32 events following a 76.

Australian duo Richard Green and Brendan Jones carded a 61 to take a two-shot lead over Ireland, represented by Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, and Scotland’s Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher after the first round of the World Cup in China.

Holland and the United States were tied for fourth on eight under par while the English pairing of Justin Rose and Ian Poulter had a run of four consecutive birdies on the back nine for six under.

The Welsh pair of Rhys Davies and Jamie Donaldson shot a 67.