Gallacher in birdie hunt to keep Ryder Cup hopes alive

Stephen Gallacher is in need of a low round this afternoon as he bids to keep his Ryder Cup dream on track.

The 39-year-old can qualify for Paul McGinley’s European team for next month’s match against the United States by finishing in the top two in Turin.

However the Scot is well down the leaderboard following a level par opening round of 72.

Gallacher tees off at 1.30pm local time (12.30pm GMT).

Aberdeen’s Richie Ramsay was in a more promising position going into the second day of play in Italy.

An opening round of five-under-par 67 left Ramsay only one shot adrift of leaders Francesco Molinari and Bernd Wiesberger.

And the 30-year-old has made a promising start to his second round with two birdies in his opening five holes to move to seven under.

Follow the lives scores from the second round of the Italian Open here.