Express & Star

Robert Rock on a roll as he leads the way in Italy

Robert Rock recovered from a shaky start to grab a share of the first round lead at the Italian Open.

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Rock, from Armitage near Lichfield, topped the leaderboard alongside Laurie Canter and South Africa’s Richard Sterne following an opening 63.

The 41-year-old, who won the Italian Open in 2011, was one over par after three holes at the Gardagolf course in Brescia, but carded nothing worse than a three in the next nine and a total of seven birdies and an eagle in his eight under par score.

“I did well to bogey the second after two terrible tee shots, my provisional was in the water as well, but got on a run after that with all threes and twos for nine holes,” Rock said. “I don’t think I’ve ever done that.”

Wolverhampton’s Aaron Rai also enjoyed a good day as he shot a four under par 67.