Ian Poulter off the pace of leader Louis De Jager but battles back after slow start at Czech Masters

Ian Poulter made a low-key return to DP World Tour action, as he sits six shots off the lead at the Czech Masters. Poulter jumped ship to LIV Golf earlier this year, and has been banned from the PGA Tour. Ad He was also hit with a suspension by the DP World Tour, but he won an injunction ahead of a full ruling — allowing him to play in events under its banner.

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The 46-year-old dropped as far as two-over at one stage, but fought back well to get in red numbers. But he sits well adrift of leader Louis De Jager who went round the Albatross Golf Resort in 64 to sit at eight-under. 'There's an alpha in there, and it's not me' — McIlroy praises Tiger Woods after meeting 'Don't think that makes any sense' — Cantlay questions desire for adding length to courses First Round Leaderboard 1.

Louis De Jager, eight-under 2. Thomas Pieters, seven-under T3. Marcel Schneider, six-under T3.

Jordan Gumberg, six-under T3. Tapio Polkkanen, six-under T3. Johannes Veerman, six-under T7.

Richard Mansell, five-under T7. Grant Forrest, five-under T7. Gavin Green, five-under T7.

Jake McLeod, five-under T7. Angel Hidalgo, five-under T7. Renato Paratore, five-under T7.