David Drysdale was leading the Scottish challenge after the first round of the European Tour's Africa Open in East London.

The 39-year-old posted a two-under 70 to sit in a share of 14th, three shots behind joint leaders Kevin Phelan and Matt Ford.

Drysdale made the best possible start to his day with an eagle-three on the very first hole and despite adding a pair of birdies to his card, he slipped back with a brace of bogeys.

Scott Jamieson and Chris Doak both finished with one-under 71s while Craig Lee had to settle for a 75. Richie Ramsay, a two-time European Tour winner, struggled to a 76.

At the head of the field, Irishman Phelan, who shared second place in last week's Joburg Open, continued his good form as he surged to the front with three birdies over his closing five holes in a five-under 67.

He was joined on that mark by Ford, who finally earned his place on the European Tour last season after 10 appearances at the qualifying school.

Elsewhere in the Rainbow Nation, Perth's Danny Young earned a place in the final of the South African Open Amateur Championship in Pretoria.

The 23-year-old, with three order of merit titles to his name on the Scottish scene, beat Adam Botha 2 and 1. He will face a final duel with host nation hopeful Jovan Rebula, who beat Glasgow's Calum Fyfe by one hole. Young will be aiming to become the third Scot in the last five years to capture the crown.