Breaking news: Evans leads in France

The Staplecross-based professional led the Open Blue Green Cotes d’Armor Bretagne in France at the time of writing after a seven-under-par first round 63 today (Thursday).

Starting on the 10th at Golf Blue Green de Pleneuf Val Andre, Evans got off a splendid start with birdies at the 11th, 14th, 16th and 17th to complete the back nine in a four-under 31.

Another birdie followed at the second, and although he recorded his only bogey on the par three third, Evans hit back with further gains on the fifth, seventh and eighth for a three-under front nine 32.

That left Evans, of Rye and Staplecross Golf Clubs, a shot clear of Belgian player Hugues Joannes and two ahead of South African golfer Brandon Stone, although the afternoon starters were only in the early stages of their rounds.

Evans lies 104th on the Challenge Tour Rankings and could therefore really do with maintaining such fine form over the remaining three rounds tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

The 27-year-old’s best finish this season is tied 20th, a position he has achieved on no less than three occasions.