Sweden’s Helen Alfredsson’s gave a clear sign that a permanent return to the Ladies European Tour is on the cards after posting a share of the first round lead in the €165,000 Biarritz Ladies Classic at Le Phare GC beside the Bay of Biscay.

The 37-year-old from Gothenburg carded a faultless five under par 65 and shares top spot with compatriot Johanna Westerberg, who, at 131st on the order of merit, needs a high finish this weekend to secure her playing rights for 2003.