Ted Potter's swoon since his victory at Pebble Beach continued, Tiger Woods put himself squarely in contention, and Chris Couch returned with a highly creditable effort in the first round of the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook yesterday.  

    Ted began on the back nine and took two bogeys and a double for a 4-over 39. On the front, he birdied 1 and 6 and bogeyed 2, 7 and 9 for 1-over 37 and a disappointing 5-over-par 76. With a projected cut of plus 2, he'll need to shoot 3 under today to advance to the weekend.

    Tiger made five birdies and four bogeys for a 1-under 70 and trailed Corey Connors by four strokes. But he missed several short putts or he'd be close to the lead.

    Couch, coming back after a 5 1/2-year layoff, birdied the par-5- first hole, then made 16 straight pars before taking a bogey on 18 for an even-par 71. Not bad considering the circumstances.  

    

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