England's Nick Dougherty boosted his Ryder Cup chances by taking a share of the early lead in the SAS Masters first round in Sweden today.

With three counting events left, Dougherty is four places away from the top-10 qualifiers in the European side. A flawless four-under 66 started his bid to make mentor Nick Faldo's team for next month's clash against the United States.
   
The 26-year-old Englishman holed out with his second shot at the par-four 12th on his way to a share of the clubhouse lead with Swede Peter Hanson. Spain's Pedro Linhart matched the pair's 66 in the afternoon
   
"It's been a long while since I've played like that," said Dougherty, who has slid down the Ryder Cup table since his mother Ennis died in April.
   
"To see my name on the leaderboard, in the aftermath of what's happened, is fantastic. I was very confident for the first time for a long while. You know you've got to turn the corner sometime and that was today."
   
With most of his rivals not playing this week, a win here can move Dougherty, joint runner-up in this event last year, within striking distance of the top-10 for next month's match in Valhalla, Kentucky.

Dougherty said he might also get one of captain Faldo's two wildcard picks even if he fell short of automatic qualification.
   
"I hadn't expected Nick to pick me but if I just miss out by a few euros after playing well for the next three weeks maybe he will," he said. "But it is more likely I'll have to qualify."
   
Martin Kaymer, also second here last year, is even closer to qualifying, holding 11th place and the German stayed well in the hunt with a 69.
   
"I struggled on the first nine, three-putting the fifth, but after the turn I played pretty solid," said Kaymer, who had to combat blustery wind and rain in the afternoon.
   
"But every round under par in those conditions was pretty good."
   
While Hanson's six birdies left him alongside Dougherty, Linhart collected seven birdies in the bad weather to make it a three-way tie as the 45-year-old Spaniard battles to keep his card.
   
"I've not made a lot of money but I expect to bring out the best of me now for the rest of the season and make my card now that I'm keeping it simple, more doing than thinking," said Linhart.
   
Australian Peter Fowler, 49, who has fully recovered from injuries he suffered in a recent car accident, is in the group a shot off the pace.
   
Fowler, tied for third at the Austrian Open in June, is also battling to keep his European Tour card for next season before trying to qualify for the US Champions Tour at the end of next year.

Paul McGinley was best of the Irish with a one-under 69, two ahead of Damien McGrane and Rory McIlroy.

Gary Murphy opened with a 72, while Peter Lawrie slumped to a six-over 76.