WORCESTERSHIRE golf ace John Bickerton made a fine start to the Victor Chandler British Masters at Woburn today.

The Droitwich player birdied the first, fifth and seventh holes to stand on three under par after 11 holes, giving him an early share of fourth place.

Australian Wayne Riley set the pace on six under after 11 holes, two shots clear of Frenchmen Thomas Levet and Spain's Jose Rivero.

Hereford's David Park and Jeremy Robinson, from Evesham, were among the later starters at the £1.25million event.

Volvo PGA champion Andrew Oldcorn was one under par after four holes, having started on the 10th, but playing partner Colin Montgomerie fell victim to one of the feature holes on the new course.

He shot a double bogey six on the 314-yard 12th but hit back to be on level par after four.