Vintage Duval in contention on 73

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - David Duval rediscovered vintage form when the former world number one shot a three-over-par 73 in difficult conditions to lie two strokes off the clubhouse lead in the British Open first round.

"I've been expecting glimpses of greatness like this for a while," the 2001 champion told reporters after tucking in two behind South African Retief Goosen and Mike Weir of Canada.

The 36-year-old American was world number one in 1999 but is now down at 969th in the rankings.

With heavy rain and strong winds buffeting Royal Birkdale, Duval's chances of suddenly changing his fortunes seemed slight at the start of play.

"When I looked out of my window I thought Jeez, it's going to be a hard day", the 13-times U.S. PGA Tour winner said. "I'd have been very surprised to see a player go round in a decent score hitting the ball in the air, you've got to keep it down.

"I got a lot out of my game today because conditions were awful. If they'd said you can have a 73 and go back to sleep I'd have certainly taken it."

With title hopefuls Vijay Singh and Ernie Els returning 80s and world number two Phil Mickelson a 79, Duval's feat was even more startling.

"It would have been very easy to shoot 80 out there," he added. "Golf isn't about hitting great shots, it's about putting it all together at the right time.

"If I went out again in the same conditions I could hit the ball the way I did and might shoot 80.

"I felt very confident and I feel very good about the work I've done over the last few months, never mind about the past few years."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)