Vancsik secures early Madrid lead

MADRID, Spain -- Daniel Vancsik is hoping that an opening-round seven-under-par 65 in the Madrid Open will signal an end to his recent slump in form.

The 30-year-old Argentinian won the Madeira Island Open back in March but then proceeded to miss 12 of his next 14 cuts.

However, an eagle and six birdies at the Real Sociedad club gave him a course record, as well as a one-shot lead.

"It's the best score I've had since Madeira, I've been playing great for the last four or five weeks but just not scoring," he said.

"I feel good with my swing again. I've changed parts of it throughout the year and now it is starting to be strong again.

"My score today was a great start for winning the tournament but I have to keep playing like this if I am to be at the top on Sunday."

Vancsik's nearest challenger is Portugal's Jose-Filipe Lima -- who in turn is looking for a first ATP Tour title since his success in the St Omer Open three seasons ago.

However, for Steven O'Hara the challenge for the remainder of the season is simply to retain his European Tour card, and the Scot did himself the power of good with an opening-round 67.

The 27-year-old from Glasgow currently lies 120th on the Order of Merit, with only the top 115 after the Mallorca Classic on October 28 guaranteed exemption for next year.

But for a poor final round at last weekend's Dunhill Links Championship, O'Hara could have been breathing slightly easier seven days on.

One player whose performance last weekend virtually guaranteed his card for next year is Northern Ireland hopeful Rory McIlroy.

Playing in just his second event as a professional, the 18-year-old finished third in Scotland -- but his opening-round performance in Madrid was rather more indifferent.

McIlroy could only manage a one-over-par 73, but nevertheless hoped for a better showing heading into the weekend. "I hit a lot of fairways and greens so I am happy enough, hopefully I can come out tomorrow and shoot something a bit better," he said.

"It was pretty tricky in the wind and the greens cut up a little bit as well. They will be a lot better tomorrow morning so if I can shoot something in the 60s I will be right there." E-mail to a friend