Langer, Bryant share Champions lead

KAUPULEHU-KONA, Hawaii, Jan. 23 (UPI) -- Bernhard Langer and Brad Bryant opened the Champions Tour season Friday by taking a share of the lead at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in Hawaii.

Langer and Bryant put together rounds of 8-under 64 at the Hualalai Resort and were one stroke in front of Jeff Sluman, Jay Haas and 63-year-old Hale Irwin.

During the 2008 season, Irvin failed to post a top-10 finish for the first time in his 13 years on the Champions Tour. He won this event in 2007.

Former U.S. Open winners Tom Kite and Jerry Pate were tied for sixth at 66 along with R.W. Eaks.

Only five of the 34 players in this tournament failed to break par in the opening round.