Monty spearheads Scots challenge in Cairo

COLIN Montgomerie finished in a share of eighth place to lead the Scots after round one of the Egyptian Open at the Mirage City club in Cairo.

The European Ryder Cup captain posted a three-under-par 69 to sit four shots behind Spain’s Carl Suneson, who powered into the lead with a seven-under 65.

Three-under after ten holes, Monty’s desert charge was halted with bogeys at 11 and 13 but the eight-time European No1 bounced back with birdies at 14 and 18 to stay in touch with the leading pack.

Glasgow’s Scott Jamieson, PGA EuroPro Tour order of merit winner this season, spilled three shots in two holes around the turn, but five birdies left him tied 16th with a two-under 70.

Jamieson finished alongside countrymen, Ross Bain and former Scottish Amateur champion George Murray. Dubai-based Scot Simon Dunn opened with a 71, while Steve Burton had to settle for a four-over 76.

At the head of the field, Suneson reeled off five birdies and an eagle as he finished one shot ahead of Julien Grillon of France, Sweden’s Calle Carlsson and Welshman Kyron Sullivan.