Golf: Scahill tied for second in Portugal

CASCAIS, Portugal - New Zealand golfer Stephen Scahill was in a four-way tie for second place after the opening round of the Estoril Open de Portugal here today.

Scahill's revitalised European Tour season continued with a four-under 67, after beginning his first round in disappointing style.

He shot bogey fives on the two opening holes and was still two-over through six holes before shooting six birdies over the 12 final holes.

Two shots behind Austrian leader Markus Brier, Scahill was tied with Briton Neil Cheetham, South African Titch Moore and Dane Mats Vibe-Hastrup.

Brier made light of awkward conditions at the Oitavos course to set up the chance of a European Tour breakthrough.

Strong winds at the tough Quinta da Marinha complex pushed up the scoring but Brier's still managed a six-under-par 65.

Brier has finished second twice on the full tour and his fifth place in the 2004 World Cup with Martin Wiegele last November has given him encouragement for this season.

A quick-fix with his coach after missing three cuts put him back on the right track for this event.

Tournament favourite Nick Dougherty of Britain quadruple-bogeyed the 18th by taking three penalty strokes, driving out of bounds and finding a bush with his provisional ball, but was satisfied with salvaging a 72.

Jean Van de Velde, playing for the first time since last September and making his latest comeback from extensive knee surgery in 2002, was delighted with a pain-free round of 70 in which he took the early lead by picking up three strokes in his first seven holes.

Darkness foiled the late starters and 12 players will have to complete their first round on Friday.

- REUTERS