Price still on course

Ryder Cup player Phillip Price kept alive his hopes of winning a US Tour place next season with an opening two-under-par 70 in the qualifying competition in Orlando, Florida.

Price did not have time for a practice round after playing in the Volvo Masters on Sunday but he lies joint 26th of the 81 players with three more rounds to go.

John Morgan is only a stroke behind American leader Ryan Hietala after a superb 66.

Swedes Carl Pettersson and Mathias Gronberg scored 69 and 71 respectively.

For Price the qualifying process began three weeks ago. No play was possible for four days in Texas because of rain, and he had to switch to Florida to come through the first stage.

If he survives again this week he will be back for the six-round final competition at the start of next month.