Ian Woosnam looks set to consolidate his place at the top of the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit after a five under par 67 gave him in a share of the lead after the first round of the Pestovo Russian Seniors Open at Pestovo Golf & Yacht Club near Moscow.
Former Ryder Cup Captain, Woosnam, goes into the second round tied with England’s Jeff Hall and Scotland’s Bill Longmuir and one shot ahead of England’s Nick Job.
John Chillas, Angel Franco, David Merriman, Peter Owen, Bertus Smit and Simon Owen all share fifth place after recording two under par rounds of 70.
Woosnam came to Moscow with a meagre €45 lead over Bernhard Langer at the top of the money list but now has a great chance to extend that considerably after a fine round that included six birdies and just one three-putt bogey on the 457-yard par four 16th.
The Welshman started strongly with birdies at the first and third. He gained another shot with a 25-foot putt for birdie on the 441 yard par four seventh before briefly topping the leaderboard all on his own with further birdies on the ninth and 14th.
“It was a good solid round,” he said. “I started pretty strongly but lost a bit of concentration when the pace of play slowed up coming home. I’m in great shape to make a move tomorrow.”
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