Thornton leads way
Saturday November 21 2009
Simon Thornton led the way for the Irish hopefuls in the opening round of the European Tour's qualifying school stage two in Spain yesterday.
The Royal County Down pro fired a four-under 68 at Sherry Golf to share sixth place, four shots behind early leader, Paulo Pinto of Argentina, who had a 64.
Colm Moriarty opened with a 69 and Michael McGeady posted a 71, while Waterville's David Higgins began his campaign with a 72.
Clandeboye's Jonathan Caldwell carved out a three-under 69 at Hacienda Del Alamo as his bid to regain his tour card got off to a good start.
The former Walker Cup player finished day one in a tie for seventh, five behind Germany's Stephan Gross, who leads with a 64. Mallow's Mervyn Owens began with a 71.
At Costa Ballena, Dublin's Brabazon Trophy winner Niall Kearney carded a two-under 70 to sit six strokes behind joint leaders Jesus Maria Arruti, Ben Evans and Dennis Kupper.
St Margeret's John Kelly, the top Irish finisher in stage one of the q-school in September, had a 72.
Lurgan's Gareth Shaw heads the home challenge at Arcos Gardens after a two-under 70 left him tied 12th, five adrift of English pacesetter Oliver Whiteley. Cian McNamara started with a 74 while Michael Collins had to settle for a 75.
Irish Independent
