Golf:Simon Thornton was best-placed of the Irish quintet competing at the Madeira Islands Open where England's Chris Gane leads on five under.

Thornton, who lost his main European Tour card last season, traded three birdies with two bogeys for a one under 71 to be just outside the top 10.

Michael Hoey and Colm Moriarty were a shot further back on level par. It wasn't such good news for Gary Murphy, another player on a sponsor's invite, who opened with a three-over 75.

Niall Kearney was further down the field on six-over after a 78.

Leader Gane enjoyed six birdies in all in his round of 67 to be one ahead of Scotland's Lloyd Saltman and Francois Delamontagne from France.