Olazabal back in the swing

Spaniard delighted with comeback in Madrid

Last updated: 12th October 2008

jose maria olazabal

Olazabal: Three off the lead

Leaders:
-4 P Broadhurst
-4 M Carlsson
-4 M Fraser
-3 S Jeppesen
-3 J Kamte
-3 P Larrazabal
-3 S Luna
-3 S Webster

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Jose Maria Olazabal was content with a one-under-par round of 70 on his return to action in the Madrid Masters at the Club de Campo.

The Spaniard has missed much of the season after being dogged by a return of the rheumatism that threatened to end his career 10 years ago.

However, after treatment the 42-year-old is attempting a comeback and lies just three shots off the first round lead held by Britain's Paul Broadhurst, Magnus Carlsson of Sweden and Marcus Fraser of Australia.

"It was much better than I expected," he said after posting four birdies and three bogeys. "I hit a couple of shots into the trees but overall I'm happy with today's result.

"The back was bothering me a little bit at times because it was a cold morning but I had a good warm-up before starting.

"I have to do the best I can and see if I can cope. I would normally go to the range now and hit balls for an hour or so but that's not going to be the case because obviously I have to look after my back."

Broadhurst is down in 98th place on the Order of Merit after a mediocre season but the veteran was delighted to finally produce on the course what he has been doing on the range.

"My game's been a little bit fragile all season," said the Englishman. "I seem to have a body transplant when I get on the first tee.

"Today I had to hit a couple of miracle shots to keep the round together."

Carlsson, who also carded a 67, was involved in a heated exchange with tournament director Jose Maria Zamora over slow play after his round, but the 28-year-old took little time at the 15th where he holed out from 125 yards for an eagle two.

Spanish favourite Miguel Angel Jimenez, who could still conceivably win the Order of Merit, is also in the hunt after a round of 69 that included five birdies.