South African John Bland fired a warning yesterday that he intends to make it a winning debut in the British Seniors Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Bland posted a stunning six-under-par 66 to jump into the overnight lead after the first day's play, two shots ahead of fellow countryman, Gary Player. Defending champion Brian Barnes hobbled round to finish on 70.

"I took full advantage of the wonderful conditions today and this real gem of a course," enthused Bland. "This is one of the greatest courses in the world and

I am very happy with my opening round. I played in Europe for 20 years and that has helped me on the Seniors Tour, as I was active right up until I turned 50."

Bland, who has been burning it up on the American seniors tour - he is currently joint seventh in the money race - carded eight birdies with just two blots on his card.

Player, who some weeks ago had a double hernia operation, complained he is not yet hitting the ball well. But he was extremely happy with his short game, despite a disappointing finish as he three-putted the 16th green.

Best of the Irish challengers was Liam Higgins, who had a super 69 despite three-putting the 12th and 13th greens. He eagled the second hole with an amazing three-wood to one foot, and also added four birdies.

"I used a one-iron off the tee 15 times for safety as I was hitting the ball everywhere with my driver on the practice ground on Wednesday evening," Higgins said.

It was not a great day for the majority of the 15 Irish who started out in search of glory. Former Castlerock amateur Gordon Parkhill handed in a one-

under-par 71 despite the dropping strokes at the last two holes, while Hugh

Jackson and Paul Leonard finished with regulation 72s.

David Jones's short game let him down and he could only manage a 74.