But the underperformance of so many of the world's soccer powers--pre-tournament co-favorites Argentina and Italy, defending champion France and dark-horse favorite Portugal were all eliminated in the first round--diminished the tournament as a showcase of the world's top footballing talent.
Australia's Adam Scott -- a man who knows all about dropping four shots at the end of a round -- also opened with a 68, while Open champion Ernie Els compiled a steady par round of 72.