LET:Sweden's Sophie Gustafson recorded an impressive 66, seven under par, at Club de Golf Retamares, to take a one-stroke lead over compatriot Linda Wessberg after the first round of the Madrid Ladies Masters.
Gustafson, who won the De Vere Ladies Scottish Open at The Carrick on Loch Lomond a fortnight ago, carded six birdies, one bogey and an eagle at the par-five third hole, which took her to three under after three holes.
CHALLENGE TOUR:Northern Ireland's Richard Kilpatrick fired an opening three under par 67 to lead the Irish challenge in the Open AGF Allianz Côtes D'Armor Bretagne.
Kilpatrick made three birdies and an eagle with two dropped shots to trail leader Romain Bechu, a 22-year-old French amateur, by four strokes after the opening round at Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André.
Bechu flew out of the blocks with five birdies and an eagle in his first seven holes, reaching the turn in a staggering 28 strokes on his way to a 63.
AMATEUR:Ireland took the runners-up spot in the Men's Seniors Home Internationals at Caldy in Cheshire yesterday after beating Wales 5½-3½ in their final match.
England pipped Scotland 5-4 to win the title for the first time since 2004.
But Ireland's women fared poorly in their Seniors International series at Royal Tara, finishing with the wooden spoon after being beaten 5-2 by champions England.
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