Casandra Alexander opened the finale of the Ladies European Tour on Thursday with a four-under-par 69 to take up a share of seventh in the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open De Espana at Alferini Golf in Malaga, Spain.
Alexander made six birdies and two bogeys and was three shots off the lead which was held by Cara Grainer of England. Grainer led by one from Carlota Ciganda of Spain, with four players on five-under in a share of third. They included favourites Leona Maguire of Ireland and Linn Grant of Sweden, as well as Anais Meyssonnier of France and Morgane Metreaux of Switzerland.
Alexander shared seventh with Lee-Anne Pace, as well as seven other players, including Maja Stark of Sweden, who is also one of the favourites. Like Alexander, Pace had six birdies and two bogeys in her 69.
Nicole Garcia also had a strong start, with a two-under-par 71 giving her a share of 24th.
Nobuhle Dlamini of eSwatini opened with a one-over 74 and was in a share of 50th.
