Poulter surges into Australia lead

Ian Poulter put world number one Luke Donald in the shade to seize the lead after the opening round of the 2011 JBWere Australian Masters.

Poulter fired a six-under-par 65 at Victoria Golf Club to gain a one-stroke advantage over local hopeful Ashley Hall.

Peter Lonard, Jarrod Lyle and Matthew Giles were among six players on 67, one shot clear of Rod Pampling and Richard Green and two ahead of Donald.

Australian Greg Chalmers, looking to add another trophy after his recent Australian Open and Australian PGA titles, matched Donald's 69, while defending champion Stuart Appleby returned a 70 after deciding only at the last minute that he was fit to play.

Nathan Green's 69 included the shot of the day when he holed his second from the fairway for eagle at the par-four third.

Matteo Manassero struggled with the afternoon breeze to record a 76.

Decked out in lilac tartan trousers, lilac sweater and matching lilac shoes, Poulter dropped a shot at his second hole, the 11th, before picking up seven birdies for his 65.

Poulter's more highly-fancied fellow Englishman Donald was disappointed with his short game.

"I hit it quite well on the back nine but (on) my front nine just made no putts," said Donald.

"Two birdies, no bogies could have been a lot worse, could have been a little bit better, but it's something to build on."