A BIRDIE at the last ensured Graeme Storm will start the second day of the ISPS Handa Wales Open in the top 50 after a topsy-turvy first round at Celtic Manor.

The Hartlepool golfer, in good spirits, recovered from an early bogey at the second to post back-to-back birdies and then a further bogey before the turn to hit the tenth level.

Storm had plenty of opportunities to be right in amongst the overnight leader Joost Luiten, who finished on six-under after a stunning 65, but dropped three further shots on the back nine.

Birdies at the 11th, 14th and the 18th, which was almost an eagle after a brilliant five-iron to the front of the green, ensured he carded a level par 71 to be well placed to make the cut in South Wales.

Storm said: "It's a feeling of frustration really. I was a bit up and down all day. I got off to a funny start, you never like to bogey a par five and then I made two birdies at five and six, but hit the wrong club at seven to drop a shot again.

"I did the same again at the next par three, I birdied the toughest hole on the course, but made the mistake of hitting it in the hazard at 15 before three putting 17. At least I birdied the last. to shoot level par round that course is always good, but it was frustrating because I never got any real momentum.

"I just have to approach the second day the same and hopefully take my chances a  bit more. I holed out well enough. I drove the ball OK. I just hit a few poor irons, which has been my strength over the last few weeks." 

Dutchman Luiten could not really put a foot wrong after hitting the turn one under. He birdied six of the last nine holes, while bogeying 17, to start the second round a shot clear of Nicolas Colsaerts and Andrew McArthur.

Harrogate’s John Parry has work to do to make the cut on Friday. He is down in 88th spot after finishing two over on 73. Malton & Norton’s Simon Dyson pulled out before he had even hit a ball after hurting his back en route to the first tee from the practice ground.