Sport News : Donald holds early title edge over Simpson at the Disney

That put him into a six-way tie for the lead with Americans James Driscoll, Gary Woodland and Scott Stallings, India's Arjun Atwal and Australian Nathan Green.

Simpson, who is vying with Donald for the PGA Tour's money list title and possibly also player of the year honors, opened with a four-birdie 68 on the Palm layout.

With their head-to-head battle the biggest storyline of the week, the two have been paired together by organizers for the first two rounds and they each relished the opening day.

"We get along fine and we had a little light-hearted banter going today," a smiling Donald told reporters after recording four birdies on his outward nine and two more after the turn.

"He asked when I was having my off-season and I said, 'Well, it was going to be this week. Thanks for playing the last tw o weeks'."

Simpson, who leads Donald by $ 363,029 in the PGA Tour money list going into the season finale, agreed.

"It was fun," said the 26-year-old American who has won twice on the U.S. circuit in his last six starts. "We fed off each other a little bit and we had a good time."

SIMPSON WATCH

Donald, who only committed to this week's event when he knew his bid for the money title was under threat, was wary of focusing too much on Simpson at the Disney.

"My focus this week is trying to win the tournament," the 33-year-old Englishman said. "Obviously I have to beat Webb to do that but I've got to beat the rest of the field as well. I have to keep my eye on everyone."

While Simpson trails Donald by two shots going into Friday's second round, he was happy with his Disney start.

"It was tough this morning," he said. "It was cold when we teed off and then the wind picked up pretty early.

"I just thought if I could eliminate my mistakes and shoot anything under par, that would be pretty good on day one. And I did."

Among the other big names competing this week, double U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa opened with a 68 while British world number 17 Justin Rose battled to a 75.

American Robert Garrigus, who won last year's Disney Classic by a commanding eight shots, was among the late starters.