Thu Apr 10 23:14:44 2008

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Schwarzrock, Maldonado share lead at Canadian Tour opener

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Modesto, CA (Sports Network) - Brent Schwarzrock and Antonio Maldonado opened with rounds of six-under 66 on Thursday to share the first-round lead at the Canadian Tour's 2008 season-opener.

Schwarzrock and Maldonado clung to a one-shot cushion at the $100,000 Spring International, the tour's first event since Bret Guetz won the Canadian Tour Championship last September 2nd.

John Lieber and Joel Kribel stood at five-under 67, with Joseph Lanza another shot further back at four-under 68.

Overall, there were 69 players separated by just six shots at the top of the leaderboard.

Schwarzrock, a 35-year-old American with experience on the PGA and Nationwide Tours, won his first Canadian Tour start last summer in a playoff at the Montreal Open. He said he had a lot of fun playing in the season-opener.

"With eight birdies, I'd have to say it was a good day," said Schwarzrock.

Maldonado started on the back nine and played in the threesome behind Schwarzrock's, joining him in the clubhouse with a share of the lead not long after Schwarzrock finished his round.

Defending champion Adam Bland opened with a 71 and was tied for 22nd place.

This week's winner will receive $16,000.