Alexander Culverwell, the former Scottish Amateur champion, made a purposeful start to his bid for a place in next week's European Tour qualifying school final with a five-under 66 in the opening round of the stage two shoot-out at Las Colinas in Spain.

The Dunbar member lies two shots behind early leader, Jaakko Makitalo of Finland. Raymond Russell, the former European Tour winner, opened with a 68, but Scott Drummond had to settle for a 74.