Richard Backwell and Peter Fowler are tied for the first round lead in the 54 hole Ramada Worldwide NZPGA Senior Professional Championship. Both players toured the Waimairi Beach course in Christchurch witjh seven under par 65's. They have a two stroke lead over Australian based Kiwi Paul Powell on 67 and Brad Burns next on 68. Martin Peterson, Tim Elliott, Ben Jackson, Glenn Joyner, Martin Pettigrew, Darren Rix and Ken Tarling are all on 69. The second round will be played at Waimairi Beach and the final round will be at Waitikiri on Tuesday