Levers’ London Open masterclass

Jason Levermore signalled his intentions with his a superb opening round of 63 at the London Open, supported by Golfbreaks.com.

Levermore, 39, is bidding to defend the title he won 12 months ago at West Essex.

And the Essex ace couldn’t have made a better start as he canned a series of putts on his way to opening up a four-shot lead.

Levermore was bogey-free on day one, signing off with a 25-footer on the final green for his seventh birdie of the day.

He said: “Best day on the greens for a long time – it makes the game a lot easier when the putter works well.”

Mark Talbott (Thorpe Hall) and Richard Wallis (Canterbury) are tied for second after respective rounds of 67, while a cluster of five players are a further stroke back on two-under.

Levermore resumes his title defence at 1.50pm on the second day after which only the top-50 and ties will remain for the final round on Thursday.