Solid Parry makes most of his luck to enjoy impressive start

The 23-year-old, who only graduated to the top tier from last season's Challenge Tour, has already recorded a top-10 finish in his first four starts and is in line for another profitable week after an opening 67 in New Delhi.

Parry had just one bogey in his five-under-par round which leaves him in a tie for third place, three shots behind Germany's Marcel Siem who added a final-hole eagle to six birdies in his round of 64.

"It's a decent start and I am pleased with how I am playing," said Parry, the 2005 Yorkshire Amateur champion.

"It was pretty solid out there but nothing spectacular. I probably got a little bit lucky at points but nothing outrageous. It was a pretty fair score."

Richard Finch took a rather different route to a three-under-par 69 which sees him tied in 19th.

The Hull golfer had seven birdies, seven pars and four bogeys on his card.

Siem, who holds a one-shot lead over Yih-Shin Chan, last tasted victory on the European Tour six years ago at the Dunhill Championship and is hoping yesterday's impressive performance could signal a change in fortunes.

"I played very solid, didn't make a bogey and then finished it off nicely with a great eagle at the last," he said.

"I cannot remember the last time that I shot 64. It must be at least three years ago so I am pretty happy with that. It's definitely my best round for a few years."

Tiger Woods has still not indicated to the PGA Tour whether he will return to golf for next week's WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tucson.

The world No 1, not seen in public since crashing his car in the early hours of November 27, has until 10pm British time today to either commit to the event or continue his self-imposed exile.

Woods has been on an indefinite break after lurid stories about his private life hit the headlines and he was reported to have attended a sex clinic in Mississippi as part of his bid to save his marriage.