Smyth leads Scots at Lytham after Stewart pulls out

Michael Smyth upstaged a host of Scotland caps to lead the home challenge after the opening round of the Lytham Trophy over the Royal Lytham links.

The Royal Troon member, pipped to the Ayrshire Strokeplay title in a play-off last weekend, posted a battling three-over 73 in tough conditions to share fifth, two shots behind Lancashire's Jack Senior, who eased to the front with a one-over 71.

Smyth, a quarter-finalist in last year's Scottish Amateur Championship at Gullane - he lost to James Byrne, having defeated the Banchory player in the first round 12 months earlier at Troon - had been four-over at the turn but rallied with three birdies at the 11th, 13th and 14th.

Despite two more bogeys over the testing closing stretch, Smyth's effort tucked him in among the leaders on a day of high numbers.

Royal Aberdeen's Scott Larkin, runner-up in last year's Northern Open on the Tartan Tour, opened with a 74 with Peter Latimer (St Andrews New) and Kingsknowe's Allyn Dick a shot further back on 75.

Fraserburgh's Kris Nicol, second at Lytham a year ago, had a 77 but Dunbar's Alexander Culverwell, who won his first domestic order of merit title in the Battle Trophy at Crail a fortnight ago, came crashing back down to earth with an 86.

Scottish champion Michael Stewart, one of the favourites this weekend, was a late withdrawal from the event with a wrist injury.