The 2018 Alps Tour season is well underway  at Sokhna, Egypt

Lone Scot Fergson in joint 59th place after a three-over 75 which included a triple bogey 7

Round 1 of the Ein Bay Open ended in a three-way tie at six-under-par 66 today at Sokhna Golf Club, Egypt. Michele ORTOLANI (ITA), Filippo BERGAMASCHI (ITA) and David CAREY (IRL) lead a pack of 102 rising golf stars by two strokes. Overnight heavy rain showers did not prevent players from hitting the first strokes of the 2018 season. Weather conditions were particularly good throughout the day despite wind picking up in the afternoon. Temperatures reached 20 degrees Celsius. "It was a nice day today. I was two over after three holes; I needed to get rid of the winter dust," co-leader Michele ORTOLANI said in the clubhouse.  "I was a little under pressure but I managed to fix up my game. Fortunately, my putting was very strong during the day. I had a few key putts.  I was lucky to have a great shot on the 10th which got me to two under par. It was great boost. I’m very happy with the round I had today » he added. Former British boys champion Ewen Ferguson from Bearsden, the only Scot in the field, is in T59 position after a three-over-par round of 75. He had a triple bogey 7 at the fourth and could not quite make up for that mishap althouogh he did birdied two par-5 holes, the third and the 17th. Leading English player is Jack Singh Brar in joint fifth place, with three other players, on 69. "We’re glad to host the Alps Tour for the sixth year in a row," said Ali Mohamed Ali, Golf Director at the Sokhna Golf Club. "This is the best place for Alps Tour players to play right now." The Ein Bay Open continues tomorrow with Round 2. First tee time at 7.15 am  (all leaders in the morning). CLICK HERE Results Round 1 Starting List Round 2