Lucky 13 as Lyle turns back clock

Thirteen years after becoming the first Briton to win the US Masters, Sandy Lyle was again taking centre stage as the Scot grabbed an early share of the first round lead at Augusta National today.

The 43-year-old, who captured the 1988 title when he hit a miraculous seven iron out of a bunker at the last to win by a shot from Mark Calcavecchia, pitched his wedged second shot to six feet.

Using a 'gut-buster' putter - the tip of the club is anchored in the player's stomach - now favoured by defending champion Vijay Singh, Lyle sunk his effort for a birdie three to join Kiwi Michael Campbell and Americans Dudley Hart and Chris DiMarco at the top on one under par.

Earlier, play had been stopped when Lyle's playing partner, Australian left- hander Greg Chalmers, hooked his opening drive into a tree. The ball ricocheted and poleaxed a spectator, who was then taken to hospital.

On a warm but overcast day with barely enough breeze to disturb the flags, the trio was later over-hauled by Jim Furyk and Rocco Mediate who both raced to two under after three.

But at least Lyle made a better start than three-times champion Nick Faldo who three-putted the first to go one over par.