Doak makes solid start in Kazakhstan

CHALLENGE TOUR: Chris Doak maintained his recent good form to make a promising start in the Kazakhstan Open, firing a three-under-par 69 at Nurtau Golf Club to earn a share of 11th spot alongside fellow Scot Callum Macaulay.

Doak, who finished third in Norway recently before picking up a decent cheque when tying for 22nd in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, bagged six birdies, one more than Macaulay.

Jamie McLeary, playing in his first event for more than three months due to a hand injury, marked his return with a 70 to sit in a tie for 22nd in the £3.5 million event.

Craig Lee, lying tenth on the Challenge Tour money list, opened with a 73, one less than Gavin Dear, while Jack Doherty and Andrew McArthur signed for 76 and 77 respectively.

Finland’s Antti Ahokas shot a 66 to lead by a stroke from England’s Chris Lloyd and Irishman Simon Thornton.

Ahokas, languishing in 151st place on the money list, got off to the perfect start with two birdies in his opening three holes.