ALASTAIR FORSYTH is struggling to beat the cut in the second round of the BMW Italian Open after an opening two-over-par 73, writes Douglas Lowe.

ALASTAIR FORSYTH is struggling to beat the cut in the second round of the BMW Italian Open after an opening two-over-par 73, writes Douglas Lowe.

The 33-year-old from Pailsey, twice a winner on the European Tour, needs to improve today to qualify for weekend action at the spectacular Royal Park course in the shadow of the Alps.

"I missed half-a-dozen putts from inside six feet in the first round, so if a few of those go in today and my ball-striking continues to improve, hopefully, I will make the cut and I can take it from there," he said.

Forsyth, Scotland's highest world-ranked player at No.148, missed the cut by nine strokes at last week's Spanish Open but feels his game is on the rise.

"It is an improvement but my game is still not as good as it needs to be," said the Scot. "The course is good and the greens are in great shape so I have no excuses."

Marc Warren, from Cambuslang player, was on 74, and also needing to show an improvement today, in his case with his iron play having hit only eight greens from good position.

Top Scot is rookie Richie Ramsay is on 67, three behind overnight leader Gareth Maybin, who has Scot Dave Renwick on the bag.

SPEEDWAY: It will be a make-shift A-Plant Glasgow Tigers team who will travel to take on Somerset Rebels in the first round, first leg, of the Premier League Knock Out Cup. The visitors will have a replacement rider for James Grieves, who misses tonight's clash on compassionate grounds.

Tigers must keep the score tight, then try to overturn any deficit when the sides meet at Ashfield this Sunday. Rebels are the holders but Tigers could well run them close on aggregate, with Rye House Rockets waiting in the quarter-finals.

RUGBY: Scotland wing Sean Lamont has signed for Llanelli Scarlets on a three-year deal. Edinburgh wanted to sign Lamont.