Rocca makes solid start in North West

Costantino Rocca made an excellent start in his bid for a second North West of Ireland Open title at a windswept Ballyliffin.

Rocca's victory in Galway three years ago was his fifth and last European Tour title, and the Italian has struggled to regain such form since.

He finished a lowly 152nd on the Order of Merit the following year and 74th last season, and has a best finish of joint 45th to his credit so far in 2002.

But the 45-year-old, who famously beat Tiger Woods in the Ryder Cup at Valderrama in 1997, defied the blustery winds this morning to claim an early share of the lead at two under.