Roake makes his mark on day one in Warwickshire - 02/03/2007

Click here for the latest" target="_blank" www.pga-tic.com/tic/tmtic.cgi]Click here[/url] for the latest scores

CHRIS Roake took full advantage of a sponsor's invite as he recorded a day one round of six-under to become the early leader.

Roake, 28, from The Buckinghamshire, who is playing on his first EuroPro Tour event of the season, fired an eagle on the 14th and birdies on the fourth, seventh, 15th and 18th to lead the chase for the £10,000 top prize.

The 13th PGA EuroPro Tour competition of the campaign - the Ethos Group Classic 2007 - is being held at the Stonebridge Golf Club in Meriden , West Midlands .

A large group of players are on four-under and this includes Gregory Bowden (Hermitage GC), Gary Cullen, Neil Walker, Mark O'Sullivan ( Galway ) and Jamie Elson.

Order of Merit leader Graeme Clark is on course to make the cut again as he is well-placed at two-under following a round of 67 on Wednesday.

However, Daniel Wardrop (Didsbury GC) and Christopher Hanson (Crosland Heath), who are fifth and tenth in the rankings respectively, will both need good days on Thursday to stay in the competition.

Wardrop, a winner at Oulton Hall, Leeds in August, shot a two-over round, while Hanson, a top ten finisher on four occasions in 2007, lies a shot further behind on three-over and well outside the top 50.

Brian McElhinney is another former winner who is struggling in Warwickshire as a double-bogey on the par-four 12th could prove costly as he is currently well down the field in level 94th position.

Matthew Woods has enjoyed a great season but Wednesday was a day to forget. He needs a very good second round after an opening day effort of a five-over 74.

Each of the 160 players will also play another round on Thursday with the top 50 plus ties advancing into the last day on Friday.

Every pound earned could prove crucial as the top five players on the Order of Merit at the end of the year will qualify for 2008 Challenge Tour cards.

There was also a further incentive for the other competitors as the leading 60 players after one more event will play in the end of season Tour Championships.

The last of the regular 2007 tournaments is the Ladbrokescasino.com Masters, which takes place at the Selsdon Park Hotel and Golf Club, South Croydon, Surrey , from September 25 to September 27.

Date posted: September 5, 2007