Hillier breaks through as Alker fires brilliant 63

Kiwi rookie Daniel Hillier shot 65, with a birdie to win on the last hole, to claim his first European Challenge Tour title on the Costa Brava in Spain yesterday. Hillier pocketed NZ$52,000 and gave himself a big chance of gaining his full European Tour card. In Virginia, Kiwi veteran Steve Alker shot a 9-under 63 with nine birdies to take the first-round lead at the Charity Classic in the US Senior playoffs.