Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen and Santiago Luna of Spain set the first-round pace with matching scores of five-under-par 67 in the British Masters at Woburn today.
The pair finished one stroke ahead of defending champion Thomas Levet of France, Britain's Phillip Price, Ian Poulter and Raymond Russell and Denmark's Soren Hansen.
Veteran Des Smyth leads the Irish challenge after carding a tremendous round of 69 to lie two shots off the lead at three-under-par.
Paul McGinley shot a level par 72 while Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke are both one-over-par after rounds of 73.
Michael Hoey carded 74 while Eamonn Darcy and Ronan Rafferty have already left themselves with plenty to do after shooting 76 and 77 respectively.
Meanwhile, Kilkenny’s Gary Murphy carded a 64, containing nine birdies, to lead the Austrian Open by two shots.