LOCH LOMOND-attached professional Gordon Sherry helped atone for his disappointing season when he moved into an early lead in his section of the European Tour Pre-Qualifying School IT at the St Cyprien venue near Perpignan in the south of France yesterday.

Sherry negotiated the 7,084-yard layout with an impressive five-under-par round of 68 in perfect conditions to finish tied with Johan Axgren, of Sweden. This week around 100 players are vying for around only 10 places available at each of the five venues.

The leading Irishman at St Cyprien is John Murray who finished tied with six players in a share of seventh position after posting a two-under-par 71. Countrymen Leslie Walker is just two shots behind with amateur Graham Spring on 73.