Robert Rock in touch with leaders

The Armitage 41-year-old ended the first day on three under par in joint 14th place, four shots behind leader Lucas Bjerregaard, of Denmark.

Rock carded birdies on the first, fourth, fifth, 12th and 18th holes but conceded bogeys on the third and seventh.

Aaron Rai, from Perton, near Wolverhampton, ended his first round three shots further back with a par score of 72. The 23-year-old recovered from a poor start which saw him bogey two of the first three holes.

Former champion Rory McIlroy was among the afternoon wave and was also within striking distance of the leaders thanks to a 67 with four birdies and two bogeys in his first 11 holes.

McIlroy, who has missed the cut in half of his appearances at Wentworth, picked up further shots on the 12th, 14th and 16th, but was unable to take advantage of the two closing par fives.