Thu Jul 10 23:05:16 2008

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Bland shoots 63 to lead Edmonton Open

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Edmonton, AB (Sports Network) - Adam Bland fired an eight-under 63 on Thursday to take a three-shot lead after the first round of the Edmonton Open.

Michael Walton, John Ellis and Ryan Thornberry were tied for second place at five-under 66, with eight players knotted another shot further back at four- under 67.

Overall, there were 22 players within five shots of Bland's lead after a day of low scoring at Windemere Golf & Country Club. Eighty-two players finished the first round at even-par or better.

Bland established a new course record with his 63, collecting 11 birdies with three bogeys while playing in a morning threesome off the first tee. His early tee time helped him avoid strong winds in the afternoon.

"A course record is always good to start the week," said Bland, who couldn't remember the last time he shot a 63. "It was good to play well and putt well."

One player who didn't play well Thursday was defending champion Dustin Risdon, who claimed his first Canadian Tour win at this event last year. Risdon stumbled to a five-over 76 and was tied for 144th place in a field of 156.