Russell on track with a 68 in Saint–Omer

european tour: Raymond Russell carded a three-under par 68 in the first round of the Saint-Omer Open presented by Neuflize OBC, to lie one shot off the lead.

The 39-year-old from Edinburgh had four birdies and a bogey and was pleased with how he handled a tough test.

Russell said: “Only one bogey is pretty decent on this course – it’s a tricky one. There was a little bit of wind and the greens are very quick in places, so it’s a case of trying to play really smart golf and not do anything stupid.

“This season has been pretty quiet so far. I had a nice enough start on the Challenge Tour, but I’ve been very quiet on the main Tour from the five starts I’ve had.”

It was also a productive day for Glasgow’s Alastair Forsyth, who signed for a 69, and Archerfield’s Lloyd Saltman (70).