Fox well ahead of chasing pack

James Fox can follow in the footsteps of his brother Noel if he takes advantage of a four-stroke overnight lead and wins the East of Ireland Amateur Open at Baltray today.

But having shared the lead with Paul Cutler with 36 holes to go in 2009 only to finish ten shots behind the Portstewart man, the 29-year-old Dubliner is taking nothing for granted.

Having avoided the horrific morning conditions that forced officials to delay the start by 70 minutes, the former Leinster interprovincial was happy to add a one over 73 to his opening 66 to lead from Co Sligo’s Gary McDermott on five under par.