Golf – Madeira Islands Open:Simon Thornton fared best of the six-strong Irish contingent competing in the €700,000 Madeira Islands Open at Porto Santo Golf Club.
Having started at the 10th, Thornton produced six birdies and two bogeys in his four under 68 that leaves him inside the top 10 and just two off the lead. Michael Hoey was next of the Irish after a level par round of 72.
Niall Kearney and Colm Moriarty both carded 74, two better than Gary Murphy and Gareth Shaw, who now have their work cut out to simply make the cut.
The lead is shared by England's Ben Evans and Chris Gane, plus Scotland's George Murray and Spain's Jose Filipe Lima, who all shot impressive six under 66s.
This week’s stop-off on the European Tour is undoubtedly overshadowed by the Masters at Augusta, the first major of the year. The weakened field in Madeira is also reflected in the prize money with €166,660 going to the champion, one of the lowest winning cheques on the circuit.
That said there is still plenty of incentive as a win this week brings with it a two-year exception for many players, who spend much of their time on the likes of the Challenge Tour or came through Qualifying School.