One-Arm Matchplay Championships in Larks, Scotland, after shooting a 95 in the first of two rounds yesterday.

Talbot, who won the event in 1988 and 1991, will have to improve considerably today if he is to finish among the top 16 who will advance to the matchplay tournament tomorrow.

Nick Champness of England shot the lowest round (81) yesterday. Champness, just 20, is one of the favourites among the 61 players competing.

Talbot has never failed to advance past the qualifying round but has his work cut out today if he is to stay in the tournament.

"I would say I'll need to shoot in the low 80s to qualify,'' said Talbot last night. He was uncertain of his overall position, but knows he clearly has to improve on yesterday's round.

"I drove the ball very badly and hit a lot of the rough spots. The weather was good but I hit the ball badly off the tee. If you drove in the rough it was hard to get out.''