FORMER RYDER Cup player Oliver Wilson, nine times a runner-up on the European Tour without ever winning, has given himself another chance to change that statistic.
With all the circuit’s current stars over in America, Wilson shot a six-under-par 66 yesterday to be in joint second place after the opening round of the Madeira Islands Open.
Spaniard Alvaro Velasco leads after a 64 containing seven birdies in the last 12 holes.
Among those alongside Wilson is compatriot Tommy Fleetwood, the 21-year-old who won last season’s Challenge Tour and who at 192nd in the world is the highest-ranked player in the field.
Also in with 66s were Swedes Joakim Lagergren and Magnus Carlsson and Dane Morten Orum Madsen.
Wilson, who did not have a bogey, has slumped to 475th on the rankings and lost his tour card last year.
The Mansfield golfer then chose to miss the qualifying school, preferring instead to clear up some health issues.
Colm Moriarty leads the Irish challenge on five under par after a fine 67 yesterday but Simon Thornton and Dara Ford will be struggling to make the cut after poor opening rounds of 76 and 78 respectively.
