McIlroy on form in Italy

Rory McIlroy scorched to an incredible eight under par 65 to share the first round lead in the European Amateur Individual Championship in Italy.

The Holywood sensation, 17, carded an eagle, seven birdies and just one bogey in his best round of the season at Golf Club Biella near Milan to share top spot with Austria's Damian Ulrich.

He beamed: "I played really well, some of the best golf I've played all year and definitely my lowest score to par.

"I've got an early tee time tomorrow as well so I'm very happy with the way I've started.

"The weather has been nice as well and there are only a few scattered showers forecast for tomorrow so I'm hoping for another good round."

If McIlroy wins in Italy he will emulate Ireland's Stephen Browne and Brian McElhinney as winners of the title and earn a spot in next year's Open Championship at Carnoustie.

After birdies at the first and third, McIlroy bogeyed the fifth but picked up shots at the sixth, eighth and ninth to turn in four under par 32.

Turning for home, he birdied the 11th and 13th and then rifled a five iron to three feet at the par five 18th to set up a simple eagle finish.

Italy's Lorenzo Gagli and Swede Jonas Blixt hit five under par 68s to trail McIlroy and Ulrich by three shots with Darren Crowe the next best of the Irish after a 70.

Douglas ace Aaron O'Callaghan carded a two under par 71 but Esker Hills' sensation Shane Lowry had to be satisfied with a level par 73.

Lurgan's Gareth Shaw, who will play for Ireland in the Home International Matches in a fortnight's time, had a disappointing three over par 76 and has work to do to make the 54 hole cut tomorrow

night.