Robert Karlsson has the chance to complete consecutive wire-to-wire victories in the Omega European Masters in Switzerland but will have to hold off Ernie Els to do so.
Karlsson carded a first round 65, six under par, at Crans-sur-Sierre to share the lead with world number two Els, one shot ahead of Mark McNulty and Eduardo Romero, England's Paul Eales, Norway's Henrik Bjornstad and France's Marc Farry.
That was the same score he started with 12 months ago on his way to a four-shot victory and fifth European Tour title and a repeat on Sunday would go some way to make up for the disappointment of last week.
Karlsson led by two shots going into the final round of the BMW International Open in Munich but struggled to a closing 74 and share of eighth place as Lee Westwood claimed his first win in almost three years.
Els has won five times already this season and currently tops the Order of Merit but admitted his hectic schedule was catching up with him.
The 33-year-old won twice in Hawaii in February, then finished second in a tournament in Singapore, won twice more in Australia before flying back to California for the World Matchplay and then back to Dubai for the Desert Classic.
"I think I'll change my schedule next year," said Els after a round of one bogey and seven birdies, one of which was set up by a two iron approach from 275 yards on the 632-yard par five ninth.
"By the end of the year I'll have played 27 or 28 and I'll probably cut back a bit. I can feel my energy is not quite the same as it has been and that's why I've been coming out a bit later to tournaments.
Ronan Rafferty leads a five strong Irish challenge after a two-under-par 69. Philip Walton fired a level par 71. The remaining Irish players are all over par; Peter Lawrie two over, Damien McGrane three over and Graeme McDowell five over.
Colin Montgomerie settled for a one under par 70.
PA