Evans back in the swing

Gary Evans made a cautious start in the Algarve Open at Penina today as he tested the shoulder injury that threatens to disrupt his golf plans for the year.

Evans sprang to prominence at the Open at Muirfield in 2002, finishing one shot outside the four-man play-off won by Ernie Els.

But the 35-year-old from Worthing fears he may miss this year's championship at Royal Troon if surgery is needed on the shoulder.

After receiving two cortisone injections and coming through yesterday's pro-am without any ill effects, Evans began in Portugal with a birdie at the par five 11th hole, his second, but a couple of dropped shots put him back to one over par after 13 holes.

"Fingers crossed, at the moment the shoulder is okay," Evans said before he teed off. " I don't want to be operated on unless I have to." France's Gregory Havret led on five under after 12 holes.