Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox has continued his recent form run with a strong start to the Madeira Islands Open in Portugal.
Fox sits in third place after firing an opening round 65. Fox won his maiden event in Europe last week with victory in the European Challenge Tour event the Le Vaudreuil Golf Challenge.
Fox had four straight birdies through the opening five holes and moved to six-under on the back nine before his first bogey of the day. He finished his round two more birdies over the last three holes.
Antonio Hortal of Spain carded a nine-under 63 to take a one-shot lead. Hortal had a bogey on the second hole but made it up by hitting an eagle and eight birdies, including one on the 17th, to overtake countryman Nacho Elvira, whose 64 featured eight birdies.
Scott Henry of Scotland, runner-up last year to Daniel Brooks of England in a playoff, was in a group of eight tied for fifth on 66.
