HEREFORD'S David Park thrived under the pressure of fighting to keep his European Tour card in the first round of the Cannes Open.

The Burghill Valley Golf Club member made an instant impact on joining the tour in 1999, winning the Compaq European Grand Prix at Slaley Hall in only his second tournament, but has since struggled to rediscover that kind of form.

Thirteen missed cuts in 25 events this season have left him 142nd on the money list and in need of some good performances in the final four events to get into the top 115 and keep his playing privileges.

A first round 64, eight under par, gave him the perfect platform to ease his worries. He ended the day two shots behind leader Lucas Parsons, the Australian firing a brilliant 62.

"It's been a long time since I've had a round of golf with such few mistakes," said Park, who had just one bogey and nine birdies in perfect scoring conditions on the Cote d'Azur.

"I hit one bad shot on the 14th but apart from that it was good solid golf and I'm very pleased."

Evesham's Jeremy Robinson, looking to regain his Tour card, also fared very well and shared fifth spot after a six-under-par 66. However, a bad start today saw him slip to two under after nine holes.