McElhinney leads Qualifying School

Ireland's Brian McElhinney produced the most impressive display on the opening day of the PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School.

The former British Amateur Champion, who also competed in the Walker Cup in 2005, shot a seven-under-par round of 65 at The Bedford to lead by three shots following the first of two days.

He is clear of Daniel Brooks and Robert Watkins, with Chris Benians and Steven Kattenhorn sat at -3 a shot further back.

Among the group of 14 of hopefuls tied at -2 were amateur Russell Jones, Frenchman Matthias Montgaillard and Spaniard Pablo Ramirez.

Ireland's Brendan McCarroll was in superb form at Fulford in York, recovering from a nervy start - which saw him bogey the first two holes - to hit eight birdies in a superb round of 66.

Tom Maddison shot seven birdies in his round of 67 to be sat at -5, with Scottish amateur Thomas Higson joined by fellow countryman Paul Cormack a further shot back.

Former Premiership football star Julian Dicks faces a stiff task if he is to progress to Final Stage following an opening round of 81 at Stoke-by-Nayland.

Local player Lloyd Kennedy, from Chelmsford, leads by one shot at -4 following a round of 68 at the Essex course on Wednesday.

Italy's Rosario Giardina joined English duo Colin Roope and Martin Bird a shot back, with Sam Osborne at -2 and David Porter joined by top amateur Chris Corry at one under par.

Craig Simmons recovered from dropping shots at the first two holes to land five birdies and lead by two strokes at -3 in the Beau Desert leg of Stage One.

He sits clear of Russell Smith, Chris Crowder and amateur duo Gregory Bowden and John Paul Banbury, with Warren Bladon - who qualified for The Open last year - among three players at level par.