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Kevin Kisner top of The Open leaderboard at end of first round

Kevin Kisner of the United States leads The 147th Open after an impressive 66 on day one, while Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy is three shots behind.

Kevin Kisner has surged to the top of the fledging leaderboard at The Open after an impressive 66 on day one.

Kevin Kisner in action at The Open on July 19, 2018© Reuters

The American took advantage of fair conditions at Kirnoustie to card an eagle and four birdies in to finish five-under-par, which proved enough for the outright lead at the close of play.

South African pair Erik van Rooyen and Zander Lombard, along with American Tony Finau, are a shot adrift of Kisner after 67s.

Brandon Stone, another South African who won the Scottish Open earlier this week, is a further shot behind, alongside United States duo Ryan Moore and Brendan Steele.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy began his bid for a first Major in four years with an opening-round 69, three shots behind Kisner.

Tiger Woods, taking part in his first Open since 2015, was two-under after 12 but ended with a 71, while defending champion Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose are one over.

World number one Dustin Johnson, meanwhile, saw his chances harmed by a triple bogey on the par-four 18th to finish with a five-over 76.

THE OPEN LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND ONE

1. Kevin Kisner (-5)
2. Erik van Rooyen (-4)
=. Tony Finau (-4)
=. Zander Lombard (-4)
5. Brandon Stone (-3)
=. Brendan Steele (-3)
=. Ryan Moore (-3)

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