Challenge Tour — Cormac Sharvin fired his career low round as pro, a sweet 66, to share seventh place after round one of the  KPMG Trophy in Belgium.

The Ardglass talent, 23, made seven birdies in a six under par effort at Cleydael Golf and Country Club as Alexander Knappe followed up his maiden win on the European Challenge Tour with an impressive nine under par 62 in Aartselaar.

“After 10 holes I really thought I could make 59,” said Knappe who would have become only the second player in Challenge Tour history to reach the score after Adrien Mörk achieved the feat in 2006. 

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“I got off to a great start after birdieing the first three holes – then I just kept going. I chipped in on 16 and then birdied 17 and on the back nine I tried to go even lower. 

“After making a birdie at 11 I missed two ten foot putts. Then I three-putted on the par five sixth so that really kept me from reaching 59.

“But overall I am really happy with my round and we still have three rounds so you never know, I may reach it.

“Last week gave me a lot of confidence because I played well in all four rounds. Although I didn’t score as well as I could have I still won, and that makes me feel good as I know I can do better. I will just keep doing what I am doing and will try to improve each day.” 

Rosapenna’s Ruaidhri McGee is the next best of the Irish, tied for 61st after a one under 70 with Chris Selfridge tied 83rd after a 71.

Gareth Shaw is tied 122nd after a two over 73.

Hoey eight off the pace in Austria

As Adrian Otaegui carded an impressive eight under par opening 64 to move into a two shot lead at Diamond Country Club in Austria, Hoey made three birdies and three bogeys in his 72 to sit a shot inside the projected cut line.

Björn Åkesson was leading the chasing pack after the Swede signed for a six under par 66, while Frenchman Gary Stal and Zander Lombard of South Africa were a shot further back in a share of third place.

Dunne started with a double bogey and was five over after nine holes while Lawrie had an eagle, one birdie, five bogeys and a double bogey in his 76.

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