England’s Andy Sullivan is determined to upstage four-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy and become the first three-time European Tour winner this season after fighting his way to a share of the lead on day one of the Portugal Masters.

The 29-year old Nuneaton golfer posted a seven-under par 64 to end his round just prior to sunset and join Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts tied for the lead on the Oceanico Victoria course at Vilamoura.

Sullivan is currently ranked 66th in the world on the back of earlier wins this year in the South African and Joburg Open titles.

England’s Andy Sullivan looking very pleased after his round of a seven under par 64 tied the lead on day one of the Portugal Masters.

Five players, including Sullivan and McIlroy, have won two times this year but Sullivan wants to be the first three-time Race to Dubai season champion.

“I’m putting nicely which makes for a nice change so it has been good to see the ball go into the hole.

“Since winning two events very quickly earlier this year I have been living a dream but then you always want to achieve better, so win again would get me into the world’s top-50,” he said.

“If so, it would make a huge difference to my career so that I could plan a schedule around the four Majors.”

Scot David Drysdale, who was crutches three weeks ago with a torn calf muscle, posted his best round in 18 months of a 65 to share third place with three others.