KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19: South African Martin Maritz, who concentrated on golf after growing too tall to become a rugby flyhalf, shared the first round lead in the Malaysian Open on Thursday. The two metres tall 26-year-old carded eight birdies to lead on six-under-par 66, a return later matched by Briton Jamie Elson and Australian Terry Price.

Colin Montgomerie, the former seven-times European number one who is seeking a seventh Ryder Cup team spot in September, dropped five shots over his five closing holes to slip back to one over.

Another of the pre-tournament favourites, Padraig Harrington of Ireland who is the highest ranked European in the world at 11th, is among a group at three under par.

Maritz, the tallest player on the tour, excelled in rugby, golf and tennis as a youngster but became too lofty for his preferred position in rugby and instead turned his attention to golf.

Maritz is now aiming to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen Retief Goosen and last year's Order of Merit leader Els who have topped the European money list for the past three years.

Elson recorded seven birdies, including back-to-back birdies to start his round, and then three in succession at the end to catch Maritz. He was struggling earlier in the week with a stomach complaint.

Price, with former Australian rugby league fullback, Tim Brasher, acting as caddy, birdied four of his closing six holes in a similar round of 66. The Australian golfer battled a neck injury but was delighted after his first outing with Brasher, who represented Australia 18 times from 1992 to 1997.

Malaysia's Airil Rizman Zahara is next best on five under par following his career-best score at the course.

First round scores