Aphibarnrat sniffing around more Hamburg birdies

Sky Sports Golf, 10am Friday
Ante-post 100-1 chance Richard McEvoy set the early pace in the European Open, the Englishman firing a six-under-par 66 at the North Course in Hamburg.

Tour maiden McEvoy was slashed to a best-priced 22-1, but former Masters champion Charl Schwartzel remains the clear favourite. Schwartzel cruised to a 67 to harden from 14-1 to 9-2 at the top of the betting.

Attacking Frenchman Alexander Levy looks set to provide a stout defence of his title, matching Schwartzel's score with a late birdie blast, while Kiradech Aphibarnrat also laid a strong foundation for the tournament with a 68.

Aphibarnrat is worth backing to repeat his day-one threeball success. The chunky Thai has an edge over his playing partners in driving distance, which is significant on a long course softened by heavy rain.

Paul Dunne and Gregory Bourdy can be left behind again. Anthony Wall was seven over par through nine holes before withdrawing.

Recommendation
K Aphibarnrat
1pt 13-8 Betfred