Jeev Milkha Singh likely to make cut in Spanish Open

Terassa (Barcelona): Jeev Milkha Singh, playing his first event in two months, gave himself a good chance to cross the first hurdle as he shot 74 and 70 in the first two rounds of the Open de Espana here today.

Jeev, whose only cut since January has been the Hero Indian Open in February, was in danger after a rusty first round of 74 with two birdies and four bogeys.

But he covered the ground on the second day with three birdies in first five holes. But bogeys on ninth and 12th set him back before a closing birdie on 18th gave him the chance of playing the weekend.

Jeev was even par for two rounds and tied 41st with around half the field yet to complete the round. The cut was likely one over.

"I had my treatment in Germany for the shoulder and it is now fine. I had to pull out of some events in China," said Jeev.

"The doctor who worked on my shoulder has been great and he was the same who has worked with Vijay Singh and Fred Couples."

"I have almost no pain and I am hoping to get well soon."

South Africa's Trevor Fisher Jnr overcame limited preparation to claim the first round lead with a seven-under 65 at Real Club de Golf El Prat.

After a long flight from Johannesburg on Monday, Fisher only managed nine holes of practice on Tuesday before walking the rest of the course during the pre-tournament pro-am.

However, that did not prevent Fisher from carding eight birdies and just one bogey in an opening 65 which left him one shot ahead of local favourite Eduardo de la Riva, compatriot Darren Fichardt and England's Tommy Fleetwood.

Fleetwood had two eagles and three birdies in a round of 66 as he looks to remain inside the Official World Golf Ranking's top 60 after next week's BMW PGA Championship in order to qualify for next month's US Open.

Four-time European Tour winner Fichardt also eagled the 18th, as well as carding five birdies against a single bogey on the 12th.

Defending champion Miguel Angel Jim?nez -- whose win 12 months ago extended his record as the oldest winner in European Tour history -- had to settle for a level par 72 and tournament favourite Sergio Garcia shot a three over 75.