Jones chasing the leader in La Manga

Welsh golfer Will Jones hit a fantastic opening round at the Spanish International Amateur Championship at La Manga, Murcia, finishing the day just two shots off the lead.

The Oswestry golfer (22) hit a par 73, which ties him for second with six other players; including Englishmen Jamie Rutherford and Harry Casey, and Irishman Dermot McElroy.

It is another Irishman who leads the pack – Lucan’s Richard O’Donovan carded a two-under 71 to make himself the overnight leader.

Strong winds throughout the day made for a few high scores, including fellow Welshman Jason Shufflebotham. The Prestatyn golfer carded 89, with only Italy’s Valerio Pelliccia (90) returning to the clubhouse with a higher score.

Kidderminster’s Henry James, who qualifies for Wales through his Cardiff-born father, carded a first-round 82, leaving him tied for 91^st place alongside seven other golfers, including Ireland’s Aaron Kearney.

The Welshmen’s results leave their country tied for 12^th (155) with England B and France C in the Nations Cup competition, which sees teams of three competing. The highest carded score is eliminated, with the other two players added together to give a gross score.

Ireland A, made up of O’Donovan, Chris Selfridge and Rheeve Whitson, lead the way with 146.

The Englishmen involved in the draw are looking to bring home the title for the fourth consecutive year, but defending champion Jack Hiluta did not make the best of starts. His first-round 80 left him tied for 73^rd with 13 other golfers, including compatriots Harry Ellis, Joshua White, Luke Johnson and Ben Loughrey.

Another notable face is that of European No1 Adrien Saddier. The Frenchman carded a first-round 76 to leave him five strokes behind O’Donovan and three behind Jones going in to day two.

At the end of today’s (Thursday, February 28) play, the top 32 will make the cut to be entered in to the match play format for the remaining three days of the event.