Gallacher is top Scot with three-under 68

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South Africa’s Louis De Jager has a twoshot lead after the first round of the Portugal Masters, having opened with an eightunder-par 63 in Vilamoura.

De Jager registered eight birdies in his bogey-free round, including five in his first seven holes.

The 32-year-old started the week 123rd in the Race to Dubai rankings as he looks to end Sunday in the top 117 and maintain his playing privileges for 2020.

De Jager’s compatriot Justin Walters, Englishman O l i v e r F i s h e r a n d Australia’s Jake McLeod are all on six under.

Walters and Fisher – who produced the first 59 in European Tour history in his second round in this event last year – are 121st and 112th respectively in the Race to Dubai, while McLeod is 159th.

After shooting a 65 yesterday, featuring seven birdies and a bogey, Fisher said: “I’m just trying my best.

“The best thing I can do is go out there and be clear about what I’m doing and not let my mind wander too much and think ‘what if ’.

“It’s a week I like and a course I like.

“I’ll go out and give it my best and stay in the moment as much as I can and see what happens.

“I actually played really well today but it’s funny to think I had to be six shots better to do that 59 again. “It was a great day. “This course has given low scores over the years – anything is possible out there. It’s nice to go out there with a bit of expectation after that good round last year.”

De Jager, who has five Sunshine Tour wins to his name but who is seeking his maiden European Tour success, hopes to build on his promising start and boost his chances of keeping his card.

He said: “I think everyone is more conscious of where they are on the order of merit.

“My back is against the wall a little bit but I can only go forward.

“I’m using that as extra motivation and encouragement – not that you need it but that did help a little bit.

“With the way I am hitting the ball and reading the lines, I’m really excited for the rest of the week.

“It is only the first day but I am feeling confident at this stage.”

A group of seven players are a further shot back, including a pair of Fisher’s compatriots – Matthew Southgate and David Horsey.

The others on five under are Italy’s Renato Paratore, South Korea’s Jeunghun Wang, South African duo Darren Fichardt and Brandon Stone and American Sihwan Kim.

Press and Journal columnist Stephen Gallacher is the leading Scot after opening with a three-under-par 68, with Liam Johnston and Grant Forrest two shots back.

Aberdeen’s David Law and Marc Warren are level par after rounds of 71 with 1999 Open champion Paul Lawrie one over par on his European Tour return.