IRELAND’S Des Smyth blew his chance to lead the field near the end of a long wind-wrecked opening day in the British Open seniors championship over Royal Aberdeen Golf Club’s Balgownie Links yesterday.

Ireland's Des Smyth blew his chance to lead the field near the end of a long wind-wrecked opening day in the British Open seniors championship over Royal Aberdeen Golf Club’s Balgownie Links this evening.

Nigel Mansell recovered from a nightmare start to card a one-over-par 73 and move into a challenging position after the first round of his own Nigel Mansell Classic staged over his own Woodbury Park course in Devon.