Russell shares lead after 66 in Turkey

RAYMOND Russell maintained his recent good form to earn a share of the lead after the opening round of the Turkish Airlines Challenge at Carya GC.

The former Cannes Open champion, who only got into the European Challenge Tour event this time last week, shot a six-under-par 66 to set the pace along with two Englishmen, Ally Mellor and Paul Dwyer.

Russell returned to winning ways less than a fortnight ago with a victory on the Alps Tour and is determined to try and get back on to the European Tour. The former Walker Cup player was one of three Scots to break par in the first round in Turkey, the others being Jamie McLeary (69) and George Murray (70).

McLeary is seeking a second success on the Challenge Tour, having won the Scottish Hydro-sponsored event at Spey Valley last year, while Murray picked up where he left off when recording his best professional finish in Madiera recently.

Lloyd Saltman and Scott Jamieson both shot 72s, one better than Eric Ramsay, with Chris Doak and Callum Macaulay both firing 74s.