Drysdale edges into lead

Scotland’s David Drysdale produced a sparkling 10-under-par round of 62 to seize the first-round lead at the Russian Open.

An eagle on the 15th hole and birdies on the 17th and 18th carried the 31-year-old from Cockurnspath one shot clear of closest rival Carlos Rodiles.

While golf’s elite compete at the US PGA Championship, this week’s tournament at Moscow Country Club offers some of the European Tour’s lesser lights the chance to shine.

Drysdale made three birdies in his opening four holes and hardly looked back, with a dropped shot at the sixth the only blemish on his card.

An eagle three at the 561-yard 15th was an obvious highlight as he put himself in a strong position.

The tournament enjoys full European Tour status for the first time this year, and an increased prize money fund.

Until Drysdale’s late flourish, Spaniard Rodiles looked set to be the overnight leader.

The 31-year-old completed a flawless nine-under round of 63, avoiding any dropped shots.

South African James Kingston was level with another Spaniard, Francis Valera, on seven under after both posted 65s. Valera’s round contained a double bogey at the 13th, but three birdies late on pushed him back up the leaderboard.

Fredrik Andersson Hed and Alejandro Canizares had set the early pace but the Swede and the Spaniard finished the day tied for fifth on six under, alongside France’s Cedric Menut who after starting from the 10th tee made five birdies in his closing six holes.

England’s Philip Golding recorded six birdies in a five-under-par 67 – his only blemish a bogey on the ninth, his closing hole.

He was in a tie for eighth with Argentinian Rodolfo Gonzalez, Welshman Garry Houston and Ireland’s Gary Murphy, who began with three consecutive birdies but could not keep up the pace.

In a 10-strong group at four under were England’s Andrew Butterfield and Jonathan Lomas, and also the defending champion Mikael Lundberg.

Swede Lundberg beat Butterfield in a play-off for the title 12 months ago.

Stephen Browne, David Higgins and Michael Hoey are all on two under par after the first round.