Super James Leads The Way! - 07/10/2007

JAMES RUEBOTHAM landed an albatross on his way to a seven-under-par 65 as the best score on the first day of the 2006 PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School Stage One.

Ruebotham's score was the best from the four courses which are hosting the First Stage, with 199 places at Stage Two next week on offer.

The Welwyn Garden City representative, made the ideal start to his first year as a professional, sitting at -5 following 12 holes.

He had a slight stutter, but an albatross two at the 16th - he followed up his drive with a three wood that bounced and landed in the hole - calmed his nerves before he birdied the last.

The albatross brought back memories of Mark Smith's eagle two to win the PGA EuroPro Tour Championship last year, and was perhaps a sign of things to come from the 23-year-old.

"I turned professional in September last year and played twice last year, finishing 11th and 12th, so this is my first year as a professional," said Ruebotham.

"I played pretty solidly today and hopefully I can keep it up tomorrow to get through to Stage Two."

Phil Abbott carded a five-under-par 67 at Bedford to rival Ruebotham, with 51 players from the 102 at that course progressing to Stage Two.

Fifth players from the 99 taking part at Stoke by Nayland in Essex with progress following Thursday's second round.

Ironically, Adam Constable was the leading performer on the Constable Course, firing a three-under-par 69.

Home player Andrew Tokley was two shots adrift on 71, with Chelmsford's Lloyd Kennedy and former England International Amateur Matt Richardson both scoring level par in their first appearances as professionals.

Matthew Dearden, representing Vale Hotel Golf & Spa Resort, was the leading player at the Kendleshire club, carding a four-under-par 66.

A total of 49 players from the 97 competing will move through to Stage Two, with Warren Bladon (Bladon Golf) and Simon Hurley (Bristol & Clifton) a shot further back.

Paul Hendriksen is sat on 68, with four players - Sean Mason, David Porter, Andrew Cloke and Max Newman - firing rounds of 69 on Wednesday.

The Wynyard stage will also feature 49 qualifiers, with Scots Graeme Brown and Jamie McLeary leading the way on 68.

Vince Guest, Ian Parnaby and Noel Fox are a shot behind, with Carnoustie pair Eric Ramsey and Lee Vannet hitting 70 for their first round.