Swede Christian Nilsson leads the Russian Open in Moscow by one shot after carding a bogey-free round at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club.
The 28-year-old produced seven birdies in his round of 65 having started on the back nine to lead Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet by one shot.
Ireland's Gary Murphy and Englishman Sam Little were a shot further back in a share of third following rounds of 67.
Murphy, who started at the 10th and enjoyed birdies at 12, 13, 17, one and six, leads a three-strong Irish challenge.
Compatriot Peter Lawrie carded a one-under 69 but David Higgins is well off the pace after a nine over par 81 that included seven bogeys and one double bogey.
Leader Nilsson said: "I am very pleased with that. I hit most of the greens and fairways and played very steadily. I made a few putts as well so it was a great round for me.
"I've played all right recently and had a few good starts with a few good first rounds but I fell back a couple of times.
"But it feels all right at the moment, I made a few putts which has been my problem."
Scot Richie Ramsay's first round as a professional proved profitable as he shot a two-under-par 70 to move into a share of 13th alongside several fellow Britons including Englishman Zane Scotland.
The 24-year-old from Aberdeen last week announced he was quitting as an amateur but he showed he was not overawed by the professional ranks, finishing his round five shots behind leader Nilsson.
