Downing on rise

The Australian Trevor Downing, currently languishing in 70th place on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit, crushed the rest of the field in yesterday's opening round of the Scotsman Scottish Seniors Open at Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh.

The Australian Trevor Downing, currently languishing in 70th place on the European Seniors Tour Order of Merit, crushed the rest of the field in yesterday's opening round of the Scotsman Scottish Seniors Open at Dalmahoy, near Edinburgh.

The 53-year-old, from Perth in Western Australia, compiled seven birdies and an eagle in his round, dropping a shot on each half, for a seven-under 65, one ahead of his countryman Terry Gale and the American Jeff Van Wagenen. The defending champion, Neil Coles, 66 later this month, said two three-putts "didn't help" in a round of 71, which he described as otherwise satisfactory.

The Texan Art Russell had no luck at all. During a nostalgic visit to St Andrews yesterday, where he played in the Open in 1984, he slipped on grass near the 17th green and broke his left leg. He will fly back to Houston on Monday.