Sweden's Carl Pettersson took advantage of the good early morning weather to take a four shot lead at the Algarve Portuguese Open at Vale do Lobo. Strong winds, which were causing the ball to move on some greens, and rain, caused play to be suspended for two hours but by then the Swede had built up a healthy four shot lead to take into round 2 tomorrow morning.
He is followed by Bradley Dredge, David Gilford, Mikko Ilonen and Gary Evans who are all on two under par after eighteen. Ireland's Phillip Walton finished the day level par after eleven holes while Des Smyth is three over after sixteen.
After completing his round Pettersson says he's going to try and avoid a poor round and increase his chances of a maiden tour win. "I found out last year that it's not much fun to miss cuts, especially when you live in America and have to stay out and hang around waiting for the next tournament.
"So the best option is not to miss them. That's made me knuckle down this season. I know I can win if I can cut out the one poor round I keep putting in, turn a 73 or a 74 into a 70," he said.
Filed by Johnny Proby
