Intro:

Bernhard Langer holds a two-shot lead over Bob Tway after Thursday's first round of the Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales.

Script:

Bernhard Langer opened with a six-under-par 65 to take a two-stroke lead over American Bob Tway in the Senior Open Championship at Royal Porthcawl on Thursday.

The German threw away a two-stroke lead on the final hole at Royal Birkdale last year and then was beaten for the title in a play-off.

But Langer was out in a first-round best of 31, with birdies on the third, fourth, sixth and eighth holes.

Tway occupies second place in Wales and this birdie on the 12th certainly helped him card a 67 at four under.

Scottish golfer Colin Montgomerie hit a 72 for a tie in 16th. The 51-year-old is bidding to become only the second man after Gary Player to win all three senior majors in a season.

USA's Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson might have hoped for more than a 74, which leaves the 64-year-old way down in the standings, tied in 41st.