Gleneagles, Scotland, June 20: The 22-year-old Australian denied himself a share of the lead on Thursday after signing for a level-par 72, two strokes behind his compatriot Brad Kennedy and Alastair Forsyth of Scotland. The top two led by a stroke from Argentine Gustavo Rojas, Spaniard Ivo Giner and England's Iain Pyman. Scott had said on Wednesday that experience of 40 mph winds on European courses was vital to bettering his career. Scott won with a season-record 26-under-par finish last year, but the conditions have made similar low scoring unlikely this time round. By coincidence, the leading pair have both enjoyed success at the Malaysian Open, Kennedy finishing second this year and Forsyth achieving his maiden victory in 2002.

The 29-year-old Kennedy, who plays mainly in Australia and Japan, is taking part in only his second European Tour event since finishing runner-up in Kuala Lumpur in February. Kennedy, 93rd on the money-list, claimed four birdies and dropped only two shots in his 70. Forsyth also collected four birdies with two bogeys for his 70, making his knowledge of Gleneagles, where he is a member, count.

Former European number one Colin Montgomerie was another to find a way of beating the wind as the Scot, 40 in four days, continued his improved form with a 72.

Bureau Report