It appears Rory McIlroy's desire and ambition knows no bounds as the teenage prodigy from Holywood fired a four under 69 to his opeing 65 to claim the early clubhouse lead in the European Amateur Championshipat Biella Golf Club near Milan.

The 17-year-old started at the 10th and made birdies at the 11th m 12th and 18th to turn in three under. There were further birdies at the third and seventh but he dropped a shot at his final hole, the ninth. He share the lead with Damian Ulrich of Switzerland

This year's North of Ireland champion Darren Crowe from Dunmurray is also in the field and shot 70 to be tied 11th on three under, while Aaron O'Callaghan of Douglas is a shot back on two under.

Ireland has a rich history in the event with previous winners including Paddy Gribben (Warrenpoint) plus Dubliner Stephen Browne and Donegal's Brian McElhinney, who are now both in the paid ranks.

This year McIlroy retained his West of Ireland title over the Easter period before going on to successfully defend the Irish Close at the European Club. The last golfer to retain the Irish Close title was a certain JB Carr, 41 years ago at Rosses Point.

McIlroy was also narrowly beaten at the Irish Amateur Open in Portmarnock but went gone on to win several scratch cups, including the prestigious Mullingar Scratch Cup. He was then selected for the St Andrews Trophy.

There is much to play for in Italy because, aside from the honour of lifting the trophy, the winner also earns a place in the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie in Scotland.