Matteo Manassero posted a course record-equalling round to top the leaderboard after day one of the Andalucia Open.
The Italian carded an eight-under-par 64 to lead by three shots in Marbella.
Manassero, who is currently ranked 63rd in the world, is vying to crack the top 50 and secure a place at the upcoming Masters in Augusta.
English duo Anthony Wall and Lloyd Kennedy were amongst a handful of players who ended the day with rounds of 67.
Canadian Mike Weir hit a 68 along with six others, while Spain's Miguel Angel Jiminez carded a 69.
