LOCH LOMOND, Scotland, 8 July 2005 — Argentina’s Angel Cabrera reeled off seven birdies in a blemish-free 64 to set the early pace with Briton Stuart Little in the Scottish Open first round yesterday.

The 35-year-old from Cordoba, winner of the European Tour’s flagship BMW Championship in May, put himself on track for a fourth career victory in Europe and a first decent showing at Loch Lomond.

British Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood was alone in third place after firing a six-under-par 65 with compatriot Nick Dougherty, Sweden’s Henrik Stenson and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy a further shot back in a tie for fourth.

Among the big names, twice champion Ernie Els and world No. 7 Adam Scott of Australia returned 70s while double US Masters winner Jose Maria Olazabal and Britain’s Luke Donald produced matching 68s.

Cabrera, who teed off at the par-four 10th, picked up shots on 13, 14 and 17, after striking a five-iron to just three feet, to reach the turn in three-under 32.

Further birdies at the first, sixth, eighth and ninth left him in an early share of the lead with Englishman Little.

Westwood was delighted to rediscover putting form after battling into a share of 33rd place at last month’s US Open and tying for 13th at the European Open in Ireland on Sunday.

Fellow Englishman Dougherty was in upbeat mood after his 66 kept alive his hopes of qualifying for next week’s British Open.

The 23-year-old, who has never played in the third major of the year, is desperate to get into the field for St. Andrews where golfing great Jack Nicklaus will be taking his final bow.

“This is my last shot,” said Dougherty, who can secure an Open spot by finishing as the highest non-exempt player at Loch Lomond.

“It’s St Andrews, the home of golf and Jack’s last one. It’s too good to miss really. I’d love to make it. If I don’t, I certainly will be watching on the telly.”

The former Walker Cup player, who won his maiden European Tour title at the Singapore Masters in January, likes the idea of a last-gasp Open qualification.

Twice US Open champion Retief Goosen and Phil Mickelson, winner of last year’s US Masters, were among the late starters.