CHORLEY'S Nick Dougherty has made a miserable start in the defence of his BMW International Open title in Germany today.

The 28-year-old Shaw Hill professional finished the opening day 10 shots behind the leaders and well down the field on two over par.

Dougherty recorded his third European Tour victory of his career when winning in Germany 12 months ago.

But after three bogeys, Dougherty has a fight on his hands to beat the cut tomorrow.

Welshman Bradley Dredge and Scotland's Peter Whiteford charged into the first round lead with an eight under par 64.