Hicks, Streelman grab spotlight from Woods

SAN DIEGO: Little-known American qualifiers Justin Hicks and Kevin Streelman upstaged tournament favorites Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson by taking charge in Thursday's first round at the US Open.

Nationwide Tour player Hicks, helped by a run of six birdies in eight holes, fired a three-under-par 68 to set the early pace before being joined by PGA Tour rookie Streelman late in the day.

World No 1 Woods, who had not previously walked 18 holes since having knee surgery two months ago, carded a topsy-turvy 72 while playing partner Mickelson returned a 71.