Golf: Sam Torrance in contention

SAM Torrance is lying a shot off the lead, held by former English amateur legend Gary Wolstenholme, after the opening round of the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open.

The 2002 Ryder Cup captain shot a four-under-par 68 on the opening day of the 2011 European Seniors Tour schedule to sit just one shot behind Wolstenholme.

The Englishman, who is becoming a dominant force on the European Senior Tour, birdied home from the 15th hole of the demanding Legends Course at the Constance Belle Mare Plage Resort to establish a slender advantage over both and American Dave Merrimen. Torrance, who picked up four shots in his last five holes, said: "The finish was very satisfying.

"To make those birdies coming home was a nice way to finish the round because I really played beautifully today."