Golf: Lloyd Saltman starts strongly

Lloyd Saltman continued his fine form on Spanish soil in the opening round of the European Tour's qualifying school stage two yesterday. The former Walker Cup player, a runner-up on the Hi5 Pro Tour in Murcia last week, fired a five-under 67 at Costa Ballena in Jerez to share third.

Saltman, aiming to gain a spot on the main tour for the first time since turning pro in 2007, finished a shot behind early leaders Julian Etulain and James Ruth. Jack Doherty opened with a four-under 68 while former Scottish Amateur champion John Gallagher posted a 69.

At Hacienda Del Alamo in Murcia, Craigielaw's Shaun McAllister led the Scots in a share of 10th after a three-under 69 left him three strokes behind joint leaders Luis Claverie and Paul Dwyer. Wallace Booth and Elliot Saltman both had 71s while Andrew McArthur had a 73 and Craig Lee a 74. Elgin's Joel Hendry fired a one-under 71 at Arcos Gardens, while Keir McNicoll was the top Scot at El Valle after a level-par 71 gave him a share of 19th. Callum Macaulay struggled to a 76 while Gavin Dear opened with a crippling 78.

lAndrew Oldcorn hit a second round 66 to move into a share of the lead with Frankie Minoza at the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan. Four birdies and two dropped shots took the Scot to eight under par 136 at Ohmurasaki Golf Club on the Senior Tour's first visit to Japan. His six-under-par round and 36-hole total was matched by Minoza of the Philippines.

Double major Champion and fellow Scot Sandy Lyle, Frenchman Marc Farry and Japan's Satoshi Kigashi are tied on seven under par, one behind the leaders.