2015 SEMI-FINALIST David Howell suffered an early exit in the opening round of the Aberdeen Asset Management Paul Lawrie Match Play after losing out on the last hole against home player Richie Ramsey today.

Howell, whose confidence was boosted by a 22nd-placed finish at the Open Championship at Royal Troon last month, bowed out of the event at Archerfield despite a battling fightback during the latter stages of his clash.

The damage to the two-time Ryder Cup star's hopes was largely done in the opening seven holes, four of which he lost to go three down.

Howell then birdied the long ninth to cut the gap to two holes but Ramsey restored his three-hole advantage with a birdie at the 13th.

The Swindon ace roared right back into it though, birdieing the next two holes to reduce arrears to just one hole.

He was unable to get back on level terms though, as the final three holes were parred to send Ramsey on to a last 32 meeting with France's Gregory Havret tomorrow.

Ryder Cup hopeful Matt Fitzpatrick convincingly beat European vice-captain Thomas Bjorn in the opening round to boost his chances of making the team for Hazeltine.

Third-seed Fitzpatrick hit six birdies at Archerfield en route to a 4&3 victory over the experienced Dane.

He will be joined in the second round by top seeds Chris Wood and Alex Noren, as well as tournament host Lawrie.

Wood, also chasing a Ryder Cup place, safely progressed by winning 4&3 against Australian Brett Rumford, while Swede Noren recorded a 5&4 success over Scott Jamieson.

Lawrie hit six birdies on his way to clinching victory over Lucas Bjerregaard - who sits 295 places higher in the world rankings - on the 16th hole.

Richard Bland, seeded fourth, also progressed comfortably. He sunk a 10-footer on the 17th to beat Swede Joakim Lagergren 2&1.

Fifteen of the 32 seeds crashed out on day one, including fifth seed Jorge Campillo, beaten by Marc Warren, and seventh seed Benjamin Hebert, defeated by Chris Paisley.