Defending champion and host Greg Norman made a disastrous start at his own $US630,000 Greg Norman Golf International in Sydney yesterday, struggling to a four-over-par 77.
Tournament leader Anthony Painter stormed home with a 66, covering the back nine in five-under 32 including an eagle at the 14th and a chip-in birdie at the 16th to snatch the lead by one shot from Peter Senior and New Zealand's Michael Campbell.
Jarrod Moseley, the surprise winner of last week's Heineken Classic in Perth ahead of Ernie Els, partnered Norman and was far from overawed, scoring a five-under 68 to be tied fourth with Brad King.
Norman will struggle to survive today's cut after tieing for 107th place in the 149-man field.
It is Norman's first tournament since appearing in the international team at the Presidents Cup against the United States in Melbourne last December following a long lay-off after shoulder surgery.
He admitted he was rusty but said there were plenty of missed scoring opportunities and he could not remember when he last played a round without a single birdie.
"I really couldn't get into the groove. I really didn't have any enthusiasm or excitement about it, he said."
Presidents Cup star Shigeki Maruyama of Japan looked destined to share the lead when he charged to a tie in front at six under after 12 holes but faded with bogeys at the 16th and 17th for a 69.
