Tim Simpson's 63 leads Champions event

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., March 7 (UPI) -- Tim Simpson shot an 8-under-par 63 Friday for a one-shot lead after the first round of the Champions Tour Toshiba Classic in Newport Beach, Calif.

Simpson, 51, who won four titles on the PGA Tour, carded eight birdies, including four in a row starting at the fourth hole, for his lowest round on the senior circuit.

Mark Johnson was alone in second-place at 64, Bernhard Langer, Mike Goodes and Jay Haas were at 65 and Craig Stadler, Bruce Lietzke, D.A.Weibring and Ben Crenshaw at 66.

Johnson, the former beer truck driver who won the tournament in 2005, had seven birdies.

"Newport Beach has been very good to me," Johnson said. "I've got great memories here."