ITALIAN SLIPS THE FIELD WITH A NINE-UNDER-
PAR 62 IN CHALLENGE TOUR FINALE

Italian Michael Lorenzo-Vera set a catch-me-if-you-can target of nine-under-par 62 in the first round of the 2007 European Challenge Tour - the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final at San Domenco Golf Club, Puglia in Italy yesterday.
Michael reached the turn in the magical figure of 29 (five-under-par) and came home in 33 (four under par) for the par-71 course measuring 6,998 yards. He was three shots ahead of the field going into the second round.
Former Scottish amateur champion Andrew McArthur from Windyhill, Glasgow and Carnoustie's Eric Ramsay are the best placed Scots after Day 1. They are sharing 19th place in the select field on three-under-par 68.
Rookie Richie Ramsay from Aberdeen is in joint 29th place on 69 after reaching the turn in 32.
Jamie McLeary had a 70, George Murray a 71 and only Peter Whiteford, after a splendid last few weeks, is in the doldrums with a 74 for joint 43rd place.
FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
Par 71, 6,998yd
62 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Italy) 29-33.
65 Mikael Lundberg (Sweden).
66 Felipe Aguilar, Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Martin Wiegele (Austria).
Scots' positions:
68 Andrew McArthur 33-35, Eric Ramsay 33-35 (jt 19th).
69 Richie Ramsay 32-37 (jt 29th).
70 Jamie McLeary 36-34.
71 George Murray 34-37.
74 Peter Whiteford 38-36 (jt 43rd).