Roe's low point hits the heights

Sheffield's Mark Roe equalled the lowest round of his career to claim a share of the lead in the Italian Open in Sardinia yesterday.

Roe carded a nine-under-par 63, just one shot outside the course record, to join Italian Michele Reale at the top of the leaderboard at Is Molas.

Sweden's Fredrik Andersson was two shots off the pace after a 65, with England's Anthony Wall and Scot Raymond Russell among a five-strong group another shot back.

Roe (38) is one of many players fighting for their European Tour futures this week in the last tournament where they can earn enough money to climb into the top 115 on the Order of Merit and keep a card for next year.

But Roe is not fighting too hard after 17 years on tour - and his more relaxed approach paid dividends with an eagle and eight birdies, including the last four in a row, despite never having played the course before.

"I looked at the travel arrangements and if I had to get two flights and a four-hour coach ride I wasn't even going to play. But I was able to get on a charter flight on Wednesday," said Roe, who lies 131st on the money list.

"I didn't hit a ball when I arrived and just teed up on the course without knowing where I was going - but sometimes that can work." Roe, who is playing this year on a medical exemption after he tore ligaments in his fingers grabbing his dog's collar in July 1999, added: "There's nothing at stake for me really. I'm not worried about the situation I'm in; other people seem more worried than I am.

"I've been out here 17 years. I've made a decision I'm not going to the tour school (for the first time since 1984) whatever happens - and next year I'll play what few events I get off my ranking and maybe ask for some invitations.

"After that I've pretty much always wanted to retire at 40 (he will be 40 in February 2003) and I can see that happening. I've got two young children. This lifestyle puts an awful lot of pressure on your family life - and that's the most important thing for me, my children and my wife.

"Even though I love shooting 63 it isn't going to make any difference to my decision that I'm going to play less golf next year." A delay for lightning - Roe hitting a three-wood to 20 feet as the siren went before returning an hour later to hole the putt for an eagle on the 15th - meant 15 players were unable to complete their first rounds on schedule.

Reale was among the earlier starters and carded seven birdies and an eagle in his flawless round to raise his hopes of the win he needs to keep his card for next season.

One of the pre-tournament favourites, Australian Adam Scott, had to withdraw through injury without hitting a shot., having injured his knee playing football on Wednesday evening.