AN early double bogey has left David Howell facing an uphill struggle to make the cut at the Italian Open.

The Broome Manor pro carded a two-over par 74 after his slip at the third hole of the Royal Park course in Turin.

That only tells half the story as he staged an impressive recovery with three birdies before the turn. But a birdie-free back nine which included two bogeys left him back where he started on two-over par.

England's Graeme Storm will seek forgiveness for missing his daughter's second birthday after claiming a share of the clubhouse lead.

Storm carded an opening round of 67 to join Robert Rock and Australian Marcus Fraser at the top of the leaderboard.

The 32-year-old former British amateur champion had not planned on playing this week, but a shoulder injury which contributed to his worst start to a season since 2005 forced his hand.

Home attention was focused on the professional debut of Italian teenager Matteo Manassero, who joined the paid ranks this week following a superb amateur career.

The 17-year-old did not disappoint with a typically composed round of 70, two under par, outscoring playing partner and European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie by six shots.