JOHN KELLY leads the Irish challenge after the first round of the British professional golf tour qualifying school. Kelly, from Blanchardstown, shot a one under par 71 at the Windmill course to leave him in joint fifth place only three shots behind the leader, Neil Mitchell. Warrenpoint's Jim Carvill is joint 12th after a 72, while Galway's Hugh O'Neill and Warrenpoint's Kenny Stevenson are joint 36th after rounds of 75.

At the Hawkstone course, Neil Manchip, from Royal Co Down, opened with a one over par 73 for 43rd place.