Atlevi leads on shortened first day

Magnus Persson Atlevi turned back the clock in the weather-affected first round of the Madeira Island Open on Thursday to claim a one-shot clubhouse lead with a five-under-par 67.

But the 38-year-old Swede, who joined the European Tour 22 years ago, could be overtaken with 60 players still to compete their rounds following a two hour, 20 minute suspension for low cloud and heavy rain.

Among them is Australia's Brad Kennedy, second in last month's Malaysian Open and who lies seven under par after 11 holes.

Persson Atlevi, who used to play as Persson before he and his brother Michael decided to opt for more striking names, was one of the first Swedish players to join the tour, along with Ove Sellberg and the newly announced Ryder Cup vice-captain Anders Forsbrand.

Though he has never won a full tour title and is now playing the Challenge Tour, he once took Severiano Ballesteros to a playoff and has two second tour places to his credit.

A $122,000 victory would earn him his full tour card and echo fellow countryman Mats Lanner's victory in this event in 1998 when he revived his career.

"That's the plan," he said after collecting an eagle and four birdies with just one dropped shot.

"I put my long tour career down to taking four months off every winter and coaching myself for the next season indoors at my home club Barseback."

Persson Atlevi is a shot ahead of two Britons, David Dixon and Euan Little. Dixon, the 2001 British Open top amateur, like the leader, handed in his 68 just before the suspension of play, while Little came home in twilight.

Of Forsbrand's appointment as Bernhard Langer's Ryder Cup vice-captain, Persson Atlevi added: "Anders is a very experienced player who's been very close to playing himself several times.

"Bernhard and he are good friends, they have similar interests, including the Christian Group, and their wives are both American, so they have a lot in common, and it should work well for Europe.

"With (Catrin) Nilsmark captaining the Solheim Cup this is further good news for Swedish golf."

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