North Yorkshire golf ace Emma Duggleby powered her way along a route 66 for pole position in the British Women's Open Amateur championship in Scotland yesterday.

The Malton and Norton Golf Club star burned up the Ladybank course in Fife with a six-under-par 66 that put her three clear shots ahead of her nearest rivals in a high-class international field.

The 29-year-old, who only last week was pipped to the English crown by her Yorkshire rival and current British champion Rebecca Hudson, was in irrepressible form.

While there were 25 scores below par during a low-scoring first round no-one came near Duggleby's delightful 66 , which was decorated by no less than five birdies, and then capped by a mighty eagle recorded at the 410-yard 11th hole.

In closest pursuit on 69 were Hampshire's England international Kerry Smith and Australia's Natalie Parkinson. Both fired 69, while Wheatley GC's Hudson was one of eight players, including Sara Garbutt of Knaresborough GC, grouped together on a challenging 70.

Katie Dobson of Fulford was among a posse of players, who carded a two-under par 74.

Updated: 12:10 Wednesday, June 13, 2001