Challenge Tour: David Higgins had all the traits of a silent assassin in Bordeaux yesterday as he got off to a solid start in his bid to win a place on the European Tour at the European Challenge Tour's Bouygues Telecom Grand Final, carding an opening round of three under par 68 to lie just three shots off the pace.
The 32-year-old needs to win the €34,250 top prize at the final event of the year to ensure his return to the Tour next season, and he went about his business with a quiet efficiency during the opening 18 holes at the Golf du Médoc in Bordeaux.
England's Neil Cheetham stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a six under par 65 to take a one-shot lead from Mathew Morris .
Stephen Browne is bunched among a seven-strong group on one under par after an opening round of 70, while Michael Hoey shot 72 for one over.
Browne can win his card by finishing in the top two come Sunday night, while Hoey and Higgins both have to win in order to avoid a visit to the Qualifying School Finals.
