Swede Backstrom fires record 62 in Italy

MILAN, May 3 (Reuters) Joakim Backstrom broke the Tolcinasco course record today to take a three-stroke early lead in the Italian Open first round.

A faultless 10-under-par 62, a shot better than the record, took the tall Swede clear of Britain's James Heath, with Dane Anders Hansen a further shot back along with Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts and another Briton, David Griffiths.

Backstrom fired two eagles and six birdies and beat his career-best score by two strokes.

The 29-year-old has suffered injury problems for 14 years and had difficulty even walking five years ago. He battles lower-back compacted discs with frequent training programmes.

After beating Britain's Paul Dwyer in a playoff at St Omer two years ago in an event run with the Challenge Tour, Backstrom is looking for a more prestigious title and is happy that he is getting fitter each week.

''I began with an eagle, but I've done that before and never shot a 62, so that was nice to do.

''St Omer was good but I'm working hard to become a really good golfer, so this is a good start.

''I've had my injury problems for 14 years -- I grew a foot taller in 18 months when I was 15 and my muscles didn't grow at the same time.

''My back can get very tired and sore but if I do my training programmes two or three times a week the problem will eventually right itself.'' Play began on time on Thursday despite heavy thunderstorms yesteerday night.

REUTERS BJR KN1804