THE SIDELINES : Langer Holds One-Stroke Lead

STUTTGART, Germany — Bernhard Langer fired a 6-under-par 66 today to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the German Masters.

Paul Broadhurst of England was his closest rival.

Langer, who won the Madrid Open earlier this year, birdied the 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 13th and 15th holes.

Much of the first round was played in heavy rain.

“It didn’t affect my performance,” Langer said of the weather.

Frank Nobilo of New Zealand, Emmanuel Dussart of France and Grant Turner of England carded 68s to tie for third. A group of eight players, including American Bill Malley, was another shot back.

Spanish star Severiano Ballesteros was in a group of seven at 70.