Fischer in front

European Tour

Trevor Fischer Jr earned a one shot lead after the opening round of the Open de Espana on Thursday.

The South African posted a seven under par 65 for a one stroke lead over Tommy Fleetwood, Eduardo de la Riva and fellow countryman Darren Fichardt.

After bogeying the opening hole, it was clean sailing for Fisher with five birdies on the front nine and three more on the way in.

“I hit one or two loose shots but felt I kept the momentum going, which is key to any good round of golf,” said the 35-year-old on europeantour.com.

“I sank one or two good putts for par and overall putted really well today, which helped. It’s nice to be out here. I can play a full schedule now which is good. It’s nice to play with some of the best players in the world. Hopefully we can put a few more good rounds together.”

Meanwhile, de la Riva impressed in front of his home crowd, firing his best round at the event.

“It’s my best score in a tournament here,” revealed the Spaniard.

“I had a great start; I hit a good drive, a safe second shot and I knew the third was perfect since the moment I hit it. Holing from 100 metres for an eagle is a big boost, and then I kept it going. It has been a great day of golf.

“I know the course perfectly, the greens and the strategy, but it’s a strong course and you need to hit good shots and keep very calm.

“It’s great to play at home and to sleep in my own bed. I don’t feel any extra pressure; I just need to play my game and keep doing the same things. I enjoy playing in front of my family and all my friends and I will try to make them enjoy watching me.”

World number seven Sergio Garcia struggled, carding a three over 75, as did Victor Dubuisson who is two over after the first round.

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