Casey reigns in Spain with sparkling 63

PAUL CASEY is on the verge of breaking into the world’s top 20 for the first time after a brilliant eight under par 63 in the Telefonica Madrid Open yesterday.

But Sandy Lyle is on the verge of losing the European tour card he has retained for 25 years following a miserable six over 77.

Casey, up to 22nd in the rankings after beginning the year only 104th, is one ahead of Sergio Garcia and two in front of Pádraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson after the first round at Club de Campo.