BALLYCLARE’S Gareth Maybin continued to stake his claim for a first Race to Dubai Tour success with a three under par 69 on the opening day of the BMW Italian Open in Turin.

GARY MURPHY seems almost certain to retain his Race to Dubai Tour card thanks to the help of six international players including four Major champions.

TRIPLE major-winning Pádraig Harrington has labelled as “protectionism” any move by the European Tour to introduce a series of core tournaments its members will have to contest to retain automatic membership.