Golf: Russell stays upbeat after poor start

Raymond RUSSELL may have been lagging eight shots off the pace heading into this morning's second round of the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final in Italy, but the Lothians golfer was still in good spirits.

The 38-year-old from Prestonpans, a winner on the main European circuit in 1996, had to settle for a three-over 74 yesterday as Bernd Wiesberger, Steve Tiley and Peter Gustafsson set the pace with five-under 66s.

Russell, who shared fourth in the 1998 Open, has managed to push himself into contention for a return to the European circuit despite not having a full category for the second-tier Challenge Tour at the start of the year.

He currently sits 21st on the order of merit, with the top 20 at the end of this week gaining promotion.

"I'm quite proud of myself for what I've done this year," he said. "This year has been a step in the right direction and I've put myself in a position where I could get into that top 20. It was a poor start but it's a four-round event and a lot can still happen."

Edinburgh-based Jamie McLeary, 33rd on the money-list, opened his challenge with a level-par 71. Fife's George Murray, eighth on the order of merit, also opened with a 71 while Glasgow's Scott Jamieson, 11th on the list, finished top Scot in a share of eighth.