Davies bounces back

England’s Laura Davies enjoyed a stunning return to form with seven birdies in a 66 and shared the lead after today’s first round of the Deutsche Bank Swiss Open at Golf Gerre in Losone.

Davies, a winner of 66 tournaments worldwide, has only made one cut in eight tournaments on the LPGA Tour in America this year.

But, on her European season’s debut, the six-under-par score saw her at the top of the leaderboard alongside Yorkshire rookie Fame More.

“The key today was I drove the ball really well,” said a delighted former world number one. “And I putted like a demon.

“It’s great tonight to go to bed tonight and not be worrying about the tee shots. I’m actually looking forward to tomorrow.

“I’ve come back to Europe trying to think everything is new, different Tour, new courses and a chance to get on the money list. In America, I’ve also been trying to change my attitude, but I’m finding it very hard and the confidence has gone.”

More, a 24-year-old former amateur star from Sheffield, failed to win her card last year and spent the 2005 season playing in Asia and on small tours in America.

“It was great experience and now I feel really ready to be out here,” she said after a seven-birdie round. “Playing professionally is very different from amateur golf. There are different pressures – but I’m loving every minute.”

The English pair lead by one shot from Denmark’s Karen Margrethe Juul, with Stoke-on-Trent’s Lisa Hall, who played in the 1996 Solheim Cup as Lisa Hackney, and Hampshire’s Kirsty Taylor both on 68.