Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen equalled the Tolcinasco course record with a faultless nine-under-par 63 to take a two-shot lead in the first round of the Italian Open.
On a poor day for the Irish contingent only David Higgins managed to break par, his two-under round of 70 leaving him seven adrift. Stephen Browne (+3), Michael Hoey (+4) and Brian McElhinney (+6) all struggled at the Milan venue.
At nine under Kjeldsen was two shots ahead of Benn Barham with Philip Archer, James Hepworth, Andrew Butterfield, Gregory Havret - the winner in 2001 - Michael Kirk and Italy's Alessandro Tadini all on six under.
Defending champion Steve Webster, who ended a 10-year wait for his maiden tour title at the Arnold Palmer-designed venue 12 months ago, made a steady start with a one-under 71.
Argentina's Angel Cabrera, at 25th the only player in the world's top 50 taking part, also carded a 71.
"I've been playing well but just had some bad Sundays," said Kjeldsen, who amassed nine birdies altogether. "I just haven't finished the job because I've been getting into the habit of becoming a little tense on Sundays.
