Cox takes London Open lead

Aaron Cox (Elsenham Golf & Leisure) made a great start to his first Order of Merit event in the East, hitting the front at the halfway stage of the London Open.

The Australian shot a three-under-par 67 to lead by one from Ray Russell (Centurion Club) and Jason Levermore (Little Channels Golf Centre).

Cox teed off at the tenth and more than cancelled out an early bogey with a superb eagle at the par-5 18th hole.

He continued his progress through his second nine, making birdie at the first and second holes.

Cox also picked up a further stroke at his 15th hole to get to four-under before giving it back at the eighth.

Russell was tied-second in this tournament a year ago and once again he showed his liking for West Essex with an opening 68 that included a birdie at the last.

Levermore was one of the late afternoon starters but that proved no problem to the multiple Order of Merit winner.

He played near flawless golf, only dropping one shot and that was at his penultimate hole.

There is no shortage of contenders as, lurking a further shot back, is a high-class group of six players.

Craig Housden (Little Channels), Glen Portelli (Old Fold Manor), Rob Coles (Maylands Golf & Country Club), Simon Khan, Jack Winer (Abrodge Golf & Country Club) and Adam Pike (Brampton Park) all signed for rounds of 69.