Lee Westwood described himself as "stupid" today for playing the Scottish Open with a chest infection.

Westwood, who on Sunday lost a play-off for the French Open, managed only a two-over-par 73 at Loch Lomond to trail clubhouse leader Graeme Storm by eight shots.

"I was stupid to go out, especially with The Open next week," said the former European No1, before going to see a doctor.

"I had hayfever on Monday, and that turned into a chest infection. I had only four hours' sleep on Tuesday and I can honestly say that last night was the first time in my life I tried to sleep and didn't get a wink.

"I stood on the range and felt completely dizzy. I thought about not playing and probably shouldn't have.

"I'm angry. I've been playing well, and everything feels in the right place."

The Englishman's problem was apparent straightaway as he dumped his second shot of the day into a hazard and double-bogeyed, then dropped a shot on the next as well.

Playing partners Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter did much better with 68 and 69 respectively.

But Storm, out in the first group of the day, birdied three of the last four holes to set the target for the rest of the field with a 65.

Also six under with one and four to play respectively were Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Australian left-hander Richard Green - while Scot David Drysdale and England's Kenneth Ferrie, sixth last week, were in the group on four under.