Jack Doherty and Elliot Saltman battle to share of fourth in Spain

Jack Doherty and Elliot Saltman spearheaded the Scottish assault in the frost-delayed opening round of the European Tour's qualifying school final at PGA Catalunya in Girona yesterday.

Kilmarnock pro Doherty covered his back-nine over the Tour course in a sparkling five-under on his way to a four-under 66 and was joined in a share of fourth by the eldest Saltman sibling, who reeled off four birdies in a tidy round.

While Saltman managed a runners-up finish on the second-tier Challenge Tour this year, Doherty endured a season of toil and made just five cuts in 18 events but, having progressed through the first two stages of the Q-school so far, the 28-year-old is finding his form at the right time.

"It's been a struggle this year and I need a good week here to get a good Challenge Tour category if not my main tour card," said Doherty, after finishing three shots behind early leader Steve Lewton.

"I got it going on the back nine though and this is a good start for me."

Chris Doak, the Scottish PGA champion, opened with a three-under 67 while Lloyd Saltman carded a 68. Raymond Russell had a 69 but Jamie McLeary (71) and Scott Drummond (72) had to settle for over-par starts.

On the Stadium course, Alastair Forsyth was left cursing a triple-bogey six on his 17th hole as he opened with a one-over 73. "I pulled my tee shot slightly and it got a huge bounce and ended up under a bush," said Forsyth, as his dispiriting season took another wretched turn. "That kind of sums up why I'm here really."

Marc Warren (72) and Andrew Coltart (75) both played the Stadium course on Saturday and were out of action yesterday as tournament officials tried to catch up on lost time.