Florioli going well at North West

Massimo Florioli stepped up his bid to become the third Italian in four years to win the North West of Ireland Open.

Florioli was one of only five players to break par in the first round as winds gusting up to 40mph buffeted the Ballyliffin course.

And two birdies in his first three holes on Friday morning took him into the lead at three under par, one shot ahead of Allan Hogh - who had picked up a birdie at the fourth.