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Justin Rose feeling positive after opening with 72 at Pinehurst

Justin Rose believes that he can be optimistic after beginning his US Open defence with a two-over-par 72.

Justin Rose has declared himself content with his two-over-par round of 72 on the opening day of the US Open.

The defending champion is seven shots behind leader Martin Kaymer after 18 holes, but he believes that he is in a good position to challenge over the weekend in North Carolina.

"I've got to play some great golf the rest of the week," Rose said after finishing on a two-over-par 72. "I had to do that pretty much no matter whether you shot 66 today or 72.

"If I shot 66 I wouldn't be here thinking, well, that's won me the tournament. A 72 certainly hasn't lost me the tournament.

"I shot two under on the back nine today and got myself back to two over, and even par is within striking distance. If I play well I feel I can get it under par."

Rose is looking to become the first player since Curtis Strange in 1989 to successfully defend the US Open title.

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 Martin Kaymer of Germany watches his tee shot on the eighth hole during the second round of the 114th U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club, Course No. 2 on June 13, 2014
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