Sherry Shares Lead At China Fleet - 07/05/2008

FORMER Amateur Champion Gordon Sherry holds a share of the lead after the opening day of The China Fleet International Open in Saltash, Cornwall.

Sherry (Kilmarnock Brassie) fired a five-under-par round of 67 which included five birdies and no bogeys to tie with Francis McGuirk (Princes), who managed six birdies and one bogey which came courtesy of a three-putt.

In tough windy conditions, many players struggled to come to terms with the weather but the consistent Sam Pigott (West Malling) is nicely placed a single shot behind after six birdies and two bogeys, helped by some excellent putting.

And Pigott is joined by Richard Sadler (Mullion) who birdied the last to also end with a 68 which comprised seven birdies and three bogeys.

Four players are a further shot behind including Mark Smith (Erewash Valley), who picked up his three shots on the back nine and South African Michiel Bothma who recovered well after a bad start.

Lee Nash (Surbiton) ended on a high with a birdie at the last after chipping in on the 15th whilst David Ray (Glamorgan Telecom) was another on three-under-par at the end of Day One's play.