CHIP BECK and Guy Boros took advantage of favourable tee times to earn a share of the opening round lead at the $1.8 million Greater Greensboro Classic in North Carolina yesterday.

Beck and Boros, both among the early starters, completed a good chunk of their rounds before a strong, blustery breeze swept across Forest Oaks, causing scores to soar. They each carded a five under par 67 to grab a one stroke lead over Billy Andrade, Tom Kite, Jay Don Blake and Japan's Naomichi `Joe' Ozaki.

Former US Open champion Kite, who also had a miserable 1995, was satisfied with his, play for the first time in quite a while. "This is the first good round where I've shot what I should have shot," said Kite, winner of 19 US Tour events.