South African Charl Schwartzel produced the only bogey free round of the WGC-CA Championship first round yesterday to gain a one shot lead with a five-under-par round of 67.

Australian Robert Allenby, who blew apart an excellent round by bogeying the final four holes, Fiji's Vijay Singh and South Africa's, Ernie Els, were tied in second place a shot behind Schwartzel.

Singh double bogeyed after finding the water with his tee shot and Els bogeyed after driving wide right and then going in the lake with his second stroke. With no world number one Tiger Woods, small crowds, grey skies and mild temperatures it was an unusually low key opening to an event that prides itself on a passionate Latin atmosphere. But, there was an international look to the top of the leader board with Australian John Senden, Italian Francesco Molinari, Britain's Paul Casey and Dane Soren Hansen all two shots behind Schwartzel along with Americans JB Holmes and Dustin Johnson.

Last year's champion Phil Mickelson, who did not practice this week as he was in Houston with his wife who is battling breast cancer, produced a solid one-under 71. Schwartzel, who won two of the early events of the European Tour - the Africa Open and the Joburg Open this year, coped well with the winds as he took a surprise lead. The South African started on the back nine and rolled in a superb putt from 43-feet at the 11th but it was his ability to avoid trouble that earned him top spot.

While Else and Singh were frustrated along with Molinari who double bogeyed the 18th, Allenby gave up the most ground. Four birdies and an eagle on the front nine gave Allenby a flying start but, after birdies on the 10th and 12th, the round fell apart with four consecutive bogeys at the end. On a day lacking the events usual fiesta atmosphere, some colour was provided in the form of Briton Ian Poulter's footwear. The always dapper Poulter wore shocking pink shoes as he finished even for the round, tied in 24th position. - Reuters