Golf news
Hortal takes early lead
Spaniard Antonio Hortal ended the first day of the Madeira Islands Open in front as his round of 63 gave him a one-shot lead.
The 26-year-old got off to a poor start as he bogeyed the second hole but he picked up another two birdies and an eagle on the front nine.
Hortal then produced a superb display on the back nine as he sunk six birdies to give himself a one-shot lead over Nacho Elvira.
Elvira stands alone on eight-under par but Ryan Fox and Sebastien Gros will be confident of victory just one shot further back.
Scotland’s Scott Henry is still within touching distance on six-under and he is confident his form at the course will stand him in good stead.
He told the Europeantour.com: “I like coming here though. I try and get myself to feel like I can win every week and some weeks you feel like you have more of a chance than others but it’s a long way to go. I’ve put myself in a good position though after the first round.”
