Brian Waites rediscovered his putting touch yesterday to grab a a share of second place at the Elf Seniors Open in Pau, France.

The former Ryder Cup player shot a first-round three-under-par 66 to lie two shots off the lead. Waites is hot on the heels of Canadian Bill Hardwick after birdies on three of the last five holes.

"I've been poor on the greens lately and although the putting wasn't brilliant today it was solid," he said. "The course is short and this week will come down to a chipping and putting competition, but it's tight and you have to put the ball in the right place. The scoring will be low."

Hardwick, winner of the Ryder Seniors Classic earlier this season, picked up six birdies during his five-under-par round of 64, four of which came in the last five holes.

American Lloyd Monroe shot a 66, South African Bobby Verwey, twice a winner this season, and England's Jim Rhodes both fired 67s.

Denis O'Sullivan and Arnold O'Connor, two of Ireland's representatives, are both well placed after firing opening 68s.