Alexander Levy leads the way after 66 at Valderrama

A superb five-under-par first round of 66 gave Alexander Levy a one-stroke lead at the Open de Espana on Thursday.

The Frenchman shot his best round of the year at Real Club Valderrama, his effort made the all the more impressive by the struggles of the majority of the field.

Only 10 players finished with scores in the 60s, but Levy carded seven birdies and just two bogeys in his round to hold a slender lead at the end of the first day's play.

Stuart Manley, Andrew Johnston, James Morrison and Alejandro Canizares are all a shot behind in tied second, with Pablo Larrazabal two strokes back in sixth.

Levy said: "It is a very tough golf course, in fantastic condition and I played really well. I putted well and did everything well. I got a bit lucky two or three times, but it was a good 66. It is nice to shoot it on a course like Valderrama which is special.

"I like it when it is a tough course because it is not a putting contest. You need to play well tee to green and that's the way I like to play."

Two-time major winner Martin Kaymer is among a quartet of players very much in contention at two under.

The highest-ranked player at the event, Sergio Garcia - whose foundation is hosting the European Tour tournament - endured a frustrating day as he finished with a three-over 74.

World number 16 Garcia could only manage to card three birdies as he bogeyed six holes, leaving him with work to do to make the cut on Friday.