Valera shoots seasons first albatross

Spain's Francis Valera made the most of Lee Westwood's late withdrawal to shoot a superb albatross two on his second hole as the Benson and Hedges International Open began at The Oxfordshire on Thursday.

The 25-year-old Spaniard only got into the tournament as first alternate when Westwood withdrew with an ongoing shoulder problem on Wednesday.

But he holed his second shot at the 533-yard par-five 11th, his second hole of the day, with a three iron from 247 yards and was the tournament leader at that point.

It was the first albatross on the European Tour this season.

Valera moved to four under with a birdie two at the 15th but struggled off the tee for the rest of his round and finished with a 69, three under for the hilly 7,205-yard course.

That left him four shots behind the 65 of the early leader, compatriot and playing partner Miguel Jimenez.

Reuters