Vanhootegem takes open advantage

Belgian Nicolas Vanhootegem changed his putting fortunes over a drenched Moscow Country Club course on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead in the Russian Open with a six-under-par 66.

Vanhootegem covered his back nine five-under-par in the first round, needing only 12 putts coming home and 27 altogether, seven of them single putts.

This left him a stroke better than Swedes Johan Edfors, Pehr Magnebrant and Joakim Rask, Italians Marcello Santi and Gianluca Baruffaldi, Britons Steven O'Hara and Mark Davis and Frenchman Christophe Pottier and Jean-Luis Guepy.

It was a timely recovery on the greens as the 30-year-old 1996 Belgian World Cup player tried to earn a one-year exemption with a victory in the inaugural European Tour event jointly sanctioned by the Challenge Tour.

"I'm 167th on the European Tour money-list, so I need something to happen," said Vanhootegem.

"I finally holed some putts and got my feeling back on the back nine. I've been putting really badly this year.

"I've been trying a bit too hard and had too much tension in my grip, so this week I tried to loosen it up."

The start was delayed for two hours because of waterlogged fairways, but during that time a quickly-convened players meeting decided to play on regardless of the soaking conditions, lifting and placing balls.

It was a decision endorsed by tournament favourite Andrew Coltart, the highest ranked European Tour player in the field at 30th.

"It demeans the tournament if you reduce the amount of holes you play," said the British 1999 Ryder Cup player after shooting a 69 to contend strongly.

The Scot was delighted with the news that the event may become a full European Tour event next year, with a two-year exemption.

Russian teenager Dimitry Vinogradov became the latest amateur to excel playing with the professionals in a European Tour event when the 17-year-old Muscovite shot a 71 to tie 58th place in the 154-strong field.

Britain's Daren Lee withdrew before starting, while Swede Joakim Kristiansson retired after six holes, both with wrist injuries.

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