Slow start for stars in Singapore

Open champion Padraig Harrington made a quiet start to the Singapore Open with a one-over 72 that left him five shots off the lead on a rain-hit opening day.

The world number five bogeyed his final hole but finished a shot better off than Phil Mickelson and Darren Clarke.

Mickelson dropped three shots in his first four holes, while Australian Adam Scott had seven bogeys in an errant 76.

Lam Chih Bing led after three birdies in four holes but half the field were unable to complete their rounds.

The Singapore Open follows geographical logic and is an Asian Tour tournament as opposed to European, but several top players are competing in the lucrative $5m event.

Ernie Els, who was runner-up in this event in 2006 but missed the cut last year after suffering from illness, reached three under after 14 holes on the Serapong course at Sentosa Island before the weather worsened.

Mickelson described the changeable conditions as challenging, and said: "I know two-over par doesn't sound good but I'll actually take it. When we were playing it was windy with some rain so it was a lot tougher."

The American unusually had problems with his short game and admitted: "This was the worst chipping round in years that I can remember."

Harrington, who saw three shots slip away on his inward nine, remained in positive mood and said: "I'd be very happy if I played the same way for the next three days.

"I'm sure at some stage I'll start holing a few putts and making a few things happen."