Henrik Stenson overcame both the disappointment of finishing as runner-up in The Open and a blistered foot to be just one shot off the lead in the WGC -Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

The Swede had to change his footwear midway through his round before carding a five-under 65 in ideal conditions. He would not catch up fully with Webb Simpson, though, with the latter taking the clubhouse lead with a 64, with seven-time winner, Tiger Woods a little further behind on 66.

The focus will inevitably stalk Tiger, but Stenson can reflect on a promising round which all started with a birdie and an eagle. "Then I had ups and downs," he said. "I had a new pair of shoes this week and today they just started to eat into my right heel. The blister then popped on 17."

There was further discomfort in the features of Bathgate's Stephen Gallacher, who posted a four over 74. It was a score compounded by a triple bogey on 13. His compatriots Martin Laird, Paul Lawrie and Richie Ramsay were all out in the afternoon.