Russell leads Seniors Open

Ireland’s Eamonn Darcy saw his solid two under par start to the Jolie Ville Sharm El Sheikh Seniors Open eclipsed by Englishman David J Russell’s superb opening round of nine under 63 yesterday.

The Irishman is in a tie for 17th place at the Jolie Ville Golf Resort, with John Curtis and Denis O’Sullivan - as well as Northern Ireland’s Eddie Polland - a further two shots back on level par.

While The European Tour’s Johnnie Walker Classic was being interrupted by gusting winds in China, Russell conjured a brilliant opening round of nine under par amid perfect conditions in Egypt.

Russell - twice a European Tour champion - put together a polished first round performance at the 6586 yard par 72 course, going to the turn in four under 32 before coming home in 31 to take a one shot lead from the USA’s John Benda.