Golf - Madrid Masters: World number eight Sergio Garcia had the spotlight taken off by him by world number 1,076 Manuel Quiros when the €1.5million Madrid Masters began in Madrid today.
A closing 15-foot eagle putt had given Garcia - playing in Europe for the first time since British Open in July - an eight-under-par 64 and the clubhouse lead at Centro Nacional.
But playing in the last group of the day Quiros, not even a full European Tour member, blasted an incredible 10-birdie 62.
The 30-year-old from Marbella, who earned a place in the event off the Spanish Order of Merit, has made six trips to the Tour qualifying school and only made it through once.
That was three years ago and even on the “second division” Challenge Tour circuit this year he has yet to record a top-40 finish.
Garcia remains firm favourite for the title as a result, especially with playing partner - and former Ryder Cup partner - Luke Donald managing only a one under 71.
Third place is held by England’s 21-year-old Oliver Fisher, finding form again after missing his last seven halfway cuts and 15 of the last 19.
Fisher, who came up through the amateur ranks with Rory McIlroy and was the youngest-ever player to appear in the Walker Cup, is down in 152nd place on the Race to Dubai and needing to climb into the top 115 to keep his card.
Damien McGrane and Gary Murphy are best-placed of the Irish after they recorded five-under 67s to be just inside the top 10.
McGrane’s round contained just the one early dropped shot plus six birdies, while Murphy enjoyed one more birdie but dropped two shots on his inward half.
The trio of Darren Clarke, Peter Lawrie and Michael Hoey were two shots further back after solid opening three-under 69s.
Gareth Maybin was a shot further back after his 70, while Irish Open champion Shane Lowry shot 71.
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