Emerson makes his move in Madeira

Gary Emerson defied the blustery conditions at the Madeira Island Open to make a sound start in the tournament.

The 42-year-old, based at Broadstone, Dorset, chalked up a four-under-par 68 in the opening round. Emerson started out at the 10th at the hilltop Santo da Serra course and quickly got into his stride.

He chalked up birdies at his opening hole then followed that by picking up further shots at the 15th, 18th, first and third.

His only blemish came at the 17th but it was an encouraging beginning for Emerson, who missed the cut in his last two events, the Singapore Masters and the Malaysian Open.

His only European Tour victory came in his 238th event – the Russian Open in 2004.