Sparkling 65 fires Hansen clear

DENMARK’S Anders Hansen shot a sparkling seven under par 65 to lead after the first round of the European Open at the London Club yesterday. He is one ahead of South African Thomas Aiken, Peter Hanson of Sweden and Jyoti Randhawa from India.

Peter Lawrie leads the Irish challenge on 67 followed by Rory McIlroy, 69, and Graeme McDowell and Paul McGinley, both 70. Michael Hoey finished on 73, Gareth Maybin, Darren Clarke and Damien McGrane, 74; Gary Murphy 75, and debutant Shane Lowry, 78.

Lawrie’s 67 around a water-laden course measuring more than 7,200 yards is no mean feat and contained six birdies and just one bogey. He began at the 10th and covered his outward journey in a blemish-less 33, describing his birdie at the 18th, where he hit a six iron just off the green and holed the putt from 20 feet, as the highlight.