THOUSANDS of fans are descending on the home of golf for the Ricoh Women's British Open, where some of the leading stars were put through their paces ahead of the first day's action tomorrow.

Among the contenders is American star Michelle Wie, who attracted a huge number of supporters as she took part in a practice round at the Old Course at St Andrews in Fife.

l First Minister Alex Salmond, who boycotted Muirfield over the men-only issue, has welcomed comments by Aberdeen Asset Management chief executive Martin Gilbert that he would not agree to the Scottish Open, sponsored by the firm, being played at men-only clubs.