Arne Thornqvist ploughed a straight course at Knock yesterday to take the overnight lead in the Irish Amateur Seniors' Championship with a four-shot lead. The Swede from Falkeping, who plays off a three handicap, carded a one-over-par 71 despite a bogey-bogey start.

Thornqvist is four shots clear of Michael Hoey (Royal Belfast), who is attempting to match the victory of his brother Brian two years ago at Dundalk, and American Clark MacKenzie.