Solid as a Rock in windy opener

PAARL, South Africa -- Robert Rock overcame gusty and treacherous conditions at the Pearl Valley Golf Estates on Thursday to lead the South African Airways Open with a two-under-par opening round.

Heavy winds made playing conditions extremely difficult with only four players finishing under par. Rock leads the way from a trio of South Africans, Ulrich van den Berg, Alex Haindl and Charl Schwartzel.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke was the only high-profile name in the top 10, carding a level-par round to stay in contention.

The other big names all struggled with last year's winner Ernie Els on five-over- par and reigning U.S. Open champion Angel Cabrera on eight-over suffering the worst.

Another home favorite Retief Goosen also had a tough round, but remains in contention at two-over par, while Australian veteran Greg Norman is a further shot back after two bogeys and a double bogey in his final six holes.

But it was world number 449 Rock who impressed at the co-sanctioned European and Sunshine Tour event, shooting five birdies and two bogeys to edge ahead of the field.

"Starting off, even at 0700, it was blowing pretty hard. I had 29 putts and 10 fairways, so overall I was striking the ball well and holing crucial putts to save par and make birdies," he said.

Alfred Dunhill Championship winner John Bickerton, who won last week's tournament after a sensational last hole collapse from Els, was tied him on five over, while one of the other big draws, two-time winner Trevor Immelman withdrew through injury.

The 27-year-old completed just two holes before complaining of a rib problem that caused him trouble with breathing.

It was later revealed that he had a lesion on the 11th right rib, which will be surgically removed next Tuesday, ruling him out for up to six weeks. E-mail to a friend