McIlroy ahead at European Masters

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD: GB & Ire unless stated
-8 R McIlroy -5 G Houston, J Zapata (Arg), K Sullivan -4 A Canizares (Sp), E Canonica (It), F Delamontagne (Fra), M Ilonen (Fin), P Lawrie (Ire), R McGowan, G Orr, B Rumford (Aus)
Selected others: -3 MA Jimenez (Sp) -2 G Havret (Fra)

---

Rory McIlroy after a rare errant shot in Thursday's round

Rory McIlroy leads the Omega European Masters after shooting an opening eight-under-par 63 at Crans-sur-Sierre.

After five birdies saw the 19-year-old going to the turn in 31, McIlroy picked up four more gains on the back nine.

McIlroy will go into the second round three shots ahead of Welsh duo Garry Houston and Kyron Sullivan plus Argentina's Julio Zapata.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, the only member of Nick Faldo's European Ryder Cup side in the field, shot a 68.

Defending champion Brett Rumford is in a large group four behind McIlroy which also includes Scotland's Gary Orr, Englishman Ross McGowan and this year's Spanish Open champion Peter Lawrie.

However, McIlroy's superb opening round, the lowest of his professional career, left the other more experienced campaigners in the shade.

"This has been a long time coming for me as I have struggled over the last few months but a score like this really boosts your confidence," said McIlroy.

It has been a great learning year for me Rory McIlroy

"Hopefully I can kick on from here and keep on doing what I am doing.

"I have been hitting the ball well in recent months but have been getting nothing out of it.

"In this round I was getting up and down well and making a few putts which made all the difference."

McIlroy went into the Crans-sur-Sierre event 89th in the European Order of Merit - somewhat disappointing after his great start in the professional ranks last year.

But the Northern Irish youngster has remained positive despite not making a cut since he failed to qualify for The Open in July.

"It has been a great learning year for me and I have learnt a lot of new things about the game.

"My game is coming along nice and gradually and maybe by the time I am 24 or 25 I will be contending for some majors and be in a position to fulfil my ambitions."