Higgins seven back at Qualifying School

David Higgins carded an opening round of level-par 72 to lie in tied 28th and seven shots back at the European Tour Qualifying School at San Roque in Spain.

However, fellow Irishman Philip Walton struggled to a disappointing four-over 76.

The former Ryder Cup star is languishing down in a tie for 101st after round one.

Norway's Eirik Tage Johansen leads on seven under following a 65.

He is three strokes clear of Finalnd’s Antti Ahokas, Swede Daniel Sjoland and English teenage amateur Oliver Fisher who all shot 68.

Englishman Warren Bennett carded a 69 to share fifth place overall with Spain's Luis Claverie and Birgir Hafthorsson of Iceland.