Jones in charge at Cumberwell Park

Paul Jones produced the kind of scintillating form in the sunshine in the PGA Players Championship at Cumberwell Park to suggest his first Order of Merit win could come today.

The 36-year-old teaching professional at Canford Magna leads the 36-hole PGA in England & Wales (South West) tournament after carding an opening error-free six-under-par 65. He made birdies at the second, fourth and ninth to be out in three-under 33 and picked up further shots at the 10th, 16th and 18th.

He has played consistently this summer and won at St Pierre, Stinchcombe Hill and Highcliffe Castle. His first win in a Race to Woodbury Park tournament is overdue.

Defending champion Liam Bond (Marriott St Pierre), the favourite, was the early leader on five-under-par 66. He picked up five shots in an incredible run of four holes from the ninth with three birdies and an eagle at the 12th. But his progress faltered with two dropped shots.

Lee Thompson (Dudsbury) is in a group two shots off the pace after making four successive birdies from the 11th.  Christian Vine (Woodbury Park) signed for six birdies and two bogeys to remain in contention as well. A cluster of players lurk on three-under-par.

Order of merit leader Sion Bebb (Vale Hotel) has much to do today as he is four shots off the pace. Paul Hendriksen (Dinnaton), who lies second, also trails by four.

Former European Open winner Stephen Dodd carded a level par 71 after a double bogey at the sixth and bogey at the seventh. European Tour seniors’ players Kevin Spurgeon (Ferndown) shot 70 and George Ryall (Players Club) 73.