Lawrie fires 68 to lead Irish challenge

PETER LAWRIE maintained his good start to his first full season on the European Tour with an opening round 68 in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

The Dubliner, 29, has already earned 246,857 this year and sits in 26th place on the Volvo Order of Merit.

And he will add considerably to that total in this £1.5 million (2.1m) event if he maintains his first day form, which leaves him three shots off the lead of Englishman Ian Poulter.