Golf: McKechnie takes early lead

BRAID HILLS pro Paul McKechnie made a purposeful start to his 2010 Tartan Tour campaign by taking the lead in the Skycaddie 36-hole Challenge at Monifieth.

The former PGA EuroPro Tour No.1 birdied two of his last three holes in a four-under par 67 to carve out a one-shot lead over Scott Henderson of the King's Links.

Lothians duo Neil Fenwick and Gareth Wright opened with 71s while Capital pair Andrew Oldcorn and David Patrick both had 73s. Musselburgh's European Senior Tour rookie Fraser Mann had to settle for a 74 with Gullane trainee Heather MacRae on 77.