CELADNA, Czech Republic, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Shiv Kapur, winless on the European Tour and ranked only 100th on the season-long points list, shot a 6-under 66 Thursday to grab the lead at the Czech Open.
Kapur birdied six holes in a row beginning at the second and took a one-shot lead in the opening round over Tano Goya and Peter Hanson. Richard Bland and Julien Guerrier both had a 68 at the Prosper Golf Resort to share fourth place.
The first round was contested in a steady rain but play was never suspended.
Kapur was tied for the lead after 72 holes of the South African Open this year but lost in a playoff.
This is one of the last two events in which European Ryder Cup points can be earned. After next week, the top nine qualifiers will be set and captain Colin Montgomerie will make his three wild-card choices.
