Richard Coughlan, who finished in a tie for 13th place in last week's Canadian Open, maintained his fine form in the opening round of the BC Open at the EnJoie Golf and Country Club in upstate New York yesterday when he fired an opening round of three-under-par 69 to finish three shots behind leader Chris DiMarco.

Coughlan and fellow-Irishman Keith Nolan, both rookies on the US Tour this season, are involved in a fight to retain their cards for next season. It is estimated Coughlan needs about $90,000 and Nolan around $180,000 from the remaining six events if they are to avoid a return to the tour school in November.

However, while Nolan - who was three over par after 11 holes - recorded a one-over-par 73 in his opening round, which puts him under pressure to survive the halfway cut, Coughlan had five threes on his back nine on his way to a 69 that puts him well into contention.

Coughlan turned in level par 36 but then had an eagle, two birdies and a bogey to come home in 33. Di Marco, who has never won a Tour event, shot a six-under par 676, one stroke better than Brian Kamm, Doug Barron and Chris Perry who were in turn one shot ahead of Phil Tataurangi, Sandy Lyle and Peter Jacobsen.