Kaymer off to slow start as bid for #1 starts

Kaymer off to slow start as bid for #1 starts

MARTIN Kaymer insists patience is the key after his bid to take Tiger Woods' world No.1 spot got off to a sluggish start in Spain.

The German can complete a stunning season by taking top place with a strong showing at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters at Sotogrande.

The 28-year-old needs to win or share second place with no more than one other player if he, rather than the absent Lee Westwood, is to succeed Woods when his 281-week stint at the top ends on Monday.

But Kaymer's quest to be the best did not start smoothly yesterday as he could only card a one-over 72 to leave himself six strokes adrift of first-round leader Pablo Larrazabal.

Three successive bogeys on the back nine ruined Kaymer's round although he grabbed an impressive birdie at 16.

The Ryder Cup star said: "It wasn't that bad and it's not the end of the world.

"I have a lot to think about but it's very important on this course not to give up. You have to stay patient and that's what I did after making three bogeys."

By contrast, Spaniard Larrazabal was flawless as he carded an impressive 66 to open up a two-stroke advantage over Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell.

The Irishman enjoyed a steady day with three birdies to help him share second with Irishman Damien McGrane.

McDowell is currently second on the European money list and his solid showing improved his slight chances of catching runaway leader Kaymer with 500,000 euros on offer to the winner this week.

Us Open champion McDowell said: "I'll have to play my best to catch him but that may not be enough. Martin didn't have his greatest day but he's never far from his best.

"But now I need to stay ahead of him, to win tournaments and have some strong finishes to have any opportunity of winning the Race to Dubai."