Scots in contention as Nocera sets early pace

Five Scots finished the opening day of the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open high on the leaderboard as Gwladys Nocera set the pace at Dundonald Links in Ayrshire.

Nocera shot a five under par 67 to lead by one from Hannah Burke, Becky Morgan and Nanna Koerstz Madsen, with Sarah Kemp and Angela Yin a shot further back.

Next came a clutch of players, including home hopes Pamela Pretswell, Vikki Laing and Sally Watson, on two under par 70.

Catriona Matthew and Kelsy MacDonald also went under par – with 71s – to boost hopes of a Scottish challenge over the weekend.

Norcera, winner of the title in 2008, made five birdies on the front nine, and added another on the 18th. Just one blemish on an otherwise perfect card came at the par four 10th, where the Frenchwomen dropped a shot.

Another Scot, Gemma Dryburgh, finished at level par but Kylie Walker and Carly Booth have work to do today to get back in contention after 74 and 75 respectively.

In contention: home hope Pamela Pretswell shot a 70.