Host of big names trail as Waring sets hot pace

qualifying school last year after coming through all three stages, recovered from a bogey on his opening hole – the 10th – to card five birdies in the next six on his way to a 66, which matched Bjork’s flawless effort.

Fleetwood, who followed his fourth place in the US Open with a tie for sixth in last week’s BMW International Open, carded four birdies in a flawless 67 to share fifth place with American Peter Uihlein and Germany’s Florian Fritsch.

The 26-year-old from Southport, who won his second European Tour title in Abu Dhabi in January, was a lowly 188th in the world rankings last September, but has reaped the rewards of returning to his former coach Alan Thompson, who was rewarded with an emotional first trip to the Masters in April.

Former champions Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell were three off the pace after rounds of 69, while Spain’s Jon Rahm birdied his final hole to finish one under.

Grantown’s Duncan Stewart enjoyed an excellent start with a two-under 69. His round included birdies at the second, eighth and 17th with his only dropped shot at the par-4 fourth.

Inverness golfer Russell Knox and Press and Journal columnist Stephen Gallacher are both sitting in the middle of the pack after both shooting 72.

Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay and Glasgow’s Scott Jamieson were two shots further back on 74, while it was a day to forget for Rutherglen’s Marc Warren after a 77.

Leading qualifier Frances Millar (Carnoustie Caledonian) was beaten by last year’s Scottish veteran women’s champion Jennifer Bryans in the first match play round of the Scottish senior women’s open amateur championship at Blairgowrie’s Rosemount course.

Sheena Wood (Aberdeen Ladies), the defending champion, made it through to the semi-finals with a one-hole victory against Donna Jackson (Troon Ladies).

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS: Paul Waring lines up a putt during his round at the HNA Open de France yesterday