Golf: A smile returned to David Howell's face yesterday after the Swindon star caught a brief glimpse of his name at the top of the leaderboard.

Howell carded a three-under-par 70 in the opening round of the King Hassan II Trophy to shine a torch on what has been a gloomy 2007 to date.

The man from Broome Manor got to four under at one stage, but dropped a shot at his 16th hole to slip back into the chasing pack.

With three rounds of the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam still to play - and with no cut line to worry about - Howell is optimistic about mounting a challenge over the weekend.

He said: "I'm not sure what the leading score was at the end of the day, but I was joint top at the end of my round.

"I didn't play particularly well but I made the most of the good shots that I did hit. I chipped and putted well.

"I have played similar in the last few weeks and struggled to break par, so to be three under was a pleasant change.

"If I can shoot three more rounds of 70 over the weekend I will be very happy."

The King Hassan II Trophy is now in its 34th year and is the longest running sports event in Morocco.

Past winners of the trophy, and a major share of the $600,000 prize fund, include Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh and Nick Price.

The tournament is a pro-am format, with 24 professionals teaming up with 36 amateur players.

Joining Howell for this year's star-studded field in Rabat are Ryder Cup colleagues Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke, and American Mark O'Meara.

There is also a womens' pro-am on the neighbouring Blue Course, with players competing for the Lalla Meryem Cup.

Howell resumes his challenge today at 9am alongside American amateurs Didier Morello, Michael Lusa and William Kohn.