Higgins races up the leaderboard

Ireland’s David Higgins has taken advantage of the fine weather to card a 66 in the first match out at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland, the 33-year-old from Waterville setting the early clubhouse target at four under.

Australian Brett Rumford, down in joint 41st position overnight, surged into a share of fourth place.

Rumford made the halfway cut with a shot to spare on level par, seven shots behind leaders Bradley Dredge of Wales, Germany’s Marcel Siem and South African Andrew McLardy.

That meant an early start for the 29-year-old from Perth but he took full advantage of the perfect conditions to race to the turn in just 30 shots.

Birdies at the first four holes were followed by two more at the seventh and ninth, and at six under par Rumford – winner of the Irish Open in 2004 – was now just a shot off the lead.

Defending champion Sergio Garcia lies just two shots off the lead on five under as he looks to secure his first win of the season.

The world number eight has had eight top-10 finishes this season, including third in the US PGA and fifth in the Open at Hoylake, where he played in the last group with eventual winner Tiger Woods.

But the 26-year-old insists a victory is not essential before the end of the season. “If it doesn’t happen it doesn’t matter,” he said.

“It’s more important to keep playing well and see my putting improving. If I keep playing well the wins will come.”