Bjorn makes solid return to action at British Masters

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SUTTON COLDFIELD, England (AP) -- Thomas Bjorn shot a 3-under 69 on his return to action Thursday following a ten-week injury layoff, leaving him just two shots off the lead after the first round of the British Masters at The Belfry.

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Thomas Bjorn shot a 69 on Thursday.

The Dane, who picked up a shoulder injury at the Scottish Open in July, said he was surprised by his good form.

"I expected to shoot a couple of 78s, practice for the weekend and get ready for next week," he said. "But my short game was good today and I made a couple of early birdies."

"I haven't been able to practice much and I think an hour, maybe an hour and 20 minutes a day will be my limit in the future," he said.

Marcus Fraser and Mikael Lundberg, winner of the Russian Open in July, held the first round lead at 5-under.

Fraser, a 30-year-old Australian, had a scorching front nine, making the turn at 5-under 31. He went on to bogey the 11th and 12th holes of the 7,230-yard (6,614 meters) Brabazon Course, which has hosted four Ryder Cups, but then birdied 15 and 16.

Just one stroke back was defending champion Lee Westwood -- showing few signs of jet lag after his return from Valhalla -- Marc Warren, Sam Walker, Anders Hansen and Rafa Echenique.

A group of seven players on 69 included Thomas Bjorn, Michael Campbell and Jeev Milka Singh.

Graeme McDowell, the only other member of Europe's recently vanquished Ryder Cup team, shot a level par 72.

Darren Clarke, who was passed over by European captain Nick Faldo for the Ryder Cup, shot an 8-over 80 on a course where he has never performed well, while Colin Montgomerie, another high-profile Ryder Cup reject, shot 81.

Bjorn is the 37-year-old chairman of the influential European Tour Tournament Committee which appoints each Ryder Cup captain.

He would not say who might succeed Faldo, saying only that the matter would probably be discussed early in 2009.

"We're not in any rush and we've decided to let the dust settle on this one first," Bjorn said.

Bjorn ruled himself out as a candidate, although he has been mentioned along with Ian Woosnam, Jose Maria Olazabal and Sandy Lyle.

"I'm only 37 and I have to focus on my playing career," Bjorn said. "I've seen the comments and I'm grateful for them, and if I'm captain one day it would be an honor."