Nick Dougherty boosted his Ryder Cup chances by taking a share of the lead in the Scandinavian Masters first round on Thursday. With three counting events left, Dougherty is four places away from the top-10 qualifiers in the European side. A flawless four-under 66 started his bid to make mentor Nick Faldo's team for next month's clash against the United States. The 26-year-old Englishman holed out with his second shot at the par-four 12th on his way to a share of the clubhouse lead with Swede Peter Hanson. Spain's Pedro Linhart matched the pair's 66 in the afternoon. With most of his rivals not playing this week, a win here can move Dougherty, joint runner-up in this event last year, within striking distance of the top-10 for next month's match in Valhalla, Kentucky. Martin Kaymer, also second here last year, is even closer to qualifying, holding 11th place and the German stayed well in the hunt with a 69. While Hanson's six birdies left him alongside Dougherty, Linhart collected seven birdies to make it a three-way tie. Australian Peter Fowler, 49, who has fully recovered from injuries he suffered in an accident, is in the group a shot off the pace.
