Veerman and Waite on top in Cyprus

American Johannes Veerman and Mitch Waite of England share the lead at the Aphrodite Hills Cyprus Open after carding seven-under-par rounds of 64 in the first European Tour event to be held on the Mediterranean island.

Cyprus became the 50th nation to host the European Tour in its 48-year history as the first round began today, with Veerman and Waite edging ahead on a low-scoring day in Paphos.
Waite carded an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to sign for a 64, while Veerman joined him on that number after his fifth birdie of the day on the 18th hole, adding to an eagle he carded on the tenth hole.
“I hit it really well today. I think I only missed one green. Well actually, I missed one green but I holed out; so I missed one green but I made it. I hit it really well today off the tee. I think I hit almost every single fairway out there, I was really consistent, and when you’re playing well and you keep giving yourself chances for birdie, it feels great." said Veerman.
Mitch Waite was also content with his opening effort, "I feel very good, I played nicely today. I’ve just had a good attitude from the beginning of the week, I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain so I just need to get out there – it’s a scoreable track – hit some good shots and see what we get out of it."

In a share of third place on six under par are former Ryder Cup players Jamie Donaldson and Andy Sullivan, Joël Stalter of France and Finland’s Sami Välimäki - both winners on the European Tour this season - and David Drysdale of Scotland, who missed out on a maiden title in March after losing to Jorge Campillo in a play-off at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Ten players share eighth place on five under par, with two groups still to complete their first rounds after play was suspended due to darkness.