De la Riva sinks last-hole eagle for Czech lead

Spain's Eduardo de la Riva hit a sensational 18th hole eagle to earn a share of the lead after the first round of the Czech Masters on Thursday.

The 33-year-old joined playing partner Renato Paratore at the top of the leaderboard with birdies on the tenth, 11th and 12th holes heading for the last.

At the 18th, de la Riva holed his long-range approach at the last to finish the opening day on seven under par 65.

"It is very good to finish with a two on a par four, especially on this 18th hole which is very difficult," said the Spaniard.

"I didn't have to take a putt on the 18th, so it is a very good finish. It is perfection."

Paratore, 18, carded seven birdies on his way to a 65, his best score on the European Tour to date.

The Italian very nearly shot a hole in one at the 16th.

"Today I played really solid from the tee to the green and on the back nine I putted really well," said Paratore.

Matt Fitzpatrick, Sam Hutsby, Pelle Edberg and Thomas Pieters are all a further shot behind.
Source: AFP