England's David Horsey hit an opening round 65 to sit one shot clear of the field after the opening day of the Russian Open on Thursday.
The 29-year-old, who won the last of his two European Tour titles in Morocco three years ago, birdied three of his last seven holes for a seven under par total at the Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club.
Horsey, who fired seven birdies in total on the par 72 course, is one shot clear of Scottish duo Scott Jamieson and Peter Whiteford, with eight golfers a further shot back.
"It was very solid," said Horsey. "I birdied the first and then had a few shaky holes where I managed to scramble pars with eight to ten footers.
"After that it was flawless and probably could've been a few better. It was a bit breezier this afternoon, but I was just trying to concentrate on giving myself opportunities to make birdie."
Former world number one tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov, one of ten Russians competing, fired an 11-over 83 with one birdie, six bogeys and three double-bogeys.
Kafelnikov, 40, a former Australian Open and French Open winner who retired in 2003, turned to professional golf three years ago.
Source: AFP
