Fox makes flying start

BIRMINGHAM: Everything seems to be coming together for Ryan Fox.

The New Zealander has continued his recent run of form, claiming a share of the firstround lead at the European Tour’s British Masters. A strong 6under 66 at the Belfry, thanks to seven birdies and just one bogey, was good enough to take a oneshot advantage into day two alongside Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen.

Fox has had one win and two top15 finishes in his last three outings on tour.

‘‘I’m really happy,’’ Fox said after his round.

‘‘I hit it really solid. Bar one tee shot on the second which looked a little bit dicey, I hit a lot of wedge shots close and took advantage of a couple of the hard holes on 12 and 18.

‘‘I holed a couple of 40footers, which is always nice to keep the round going.’’

He said ‘‘everything kind of clicked’’ on his return to the tour after spending some time with family at home.

‘‘I changed a lot of nappies,’’ he joked.

‘‘I played a lot of social golf with my mates when I was back home. A little bit of fishing, fair bit of babysitting as you can imagine . . .

‘‘I’m trying to think as little as possible, which is always a nice place to be.

‘‘For me it’s about getting into my shots — picking targets, picking the shape and flight I want to see, and trying to execute that and sort of not worry about where it goes.

‘‘It’s easier said than done most of the time but I guess winning earlier in the year also takes the pressure off and it’s a little bit easier to let go as well. And I’ve done that really well the last couple of weeks.’’

Fox will be hoping his strong performances continue as he tries to qualify for the PGA Championship later this month. The world No 110 is right on the cut line and a good finish this weekend could secure him a spot at the year’s second major.

Fox and Olesen are a stroke clear of three players — Hurly Long, Ashun Wu and Richie Ramsay. —