Faldo recovers after early error

It is six years since Nick Faldo won the last of his six major titles, and five years since he won a Tour tournament of any kind. But the 44-year-old is far from a spent force as he proved today by putting himself into contention for the £4million Players Championship here.

Resuming his rain-delayed first round on four under par after 13 holes, Faldo recovered from a dropped shot at the 14th to go into the clubhouse back on four under, four shots behind outright leader Phil Mickelson.

Confirmation of Faldo's laser-sharp putting display came with an examination of the statistics which showed he took just 23 putts in a round of 68, one less than Mickelson.

"It was tricky this morning when the wind blew up," said Faldo. "But I hit some good putts for some birdies and for some saves. I'm concentrating hard. Now I've just got to keep my head down and try to keep it going."

Also on form was Miguel Angel Jimenez who used an eight-iron to ace the 135-yard parthree 17th, the famous island hole where 32 players had found water off the tee before the popular Spaniard spun his ball back into the hole off a slope on the green.

Mickelson's eight under par 64 was just one shy of the course record. He headed into the second round three clear of United States Ryder Cup team-mate Scott Hoch and Chris DiMarco.