Levet gives France an early lead

A brilliant pitch shot by Thomas Levet gave France the early lead when golf’s annual World Cup began at Vilamoura in Portugal today.

After partner Raphael Jacquelin had birdied the 446-yard first Levet, one of seven members of last year’s Ryder Cup side competing for a first prize of nearly £400,000 (€589,000) per man, almost sank his approach to the 358-yard second.