Gregory Bourdy holds two-shot lead after day one of Lyoness Open

Gregory Bourdy made a fine start to the Lyoness Open on Thursday, his seven-under round of 65 earning him a two-shot lead after the first day's play.

The most recent of the Frenchman's four European Tour victories came at the Wales Open two years ago, but he made an early stake for his claim at the Diamond Country Club in Atzenbrugg, Austria.

Bourdy made a flying start to his round, birdying three of the first four holes, before picking up another shot on the seventh.

On the back nine, Bourdy improved his score further on the 13th, before back-to-back birdies at 15 and 16 saw him hold a two-stroke advantage heading into Friday.

"I am pleased with seven under, of course, but it actually could have been even more!" Bourdy said afterwards.

His strong finish saw him sit atop the leaderboard on his own, ahead of a group of four players on five-under.

One of those is Robert Dinwiddie, who eagled his first hole before a bogey on the par-four eighth set him back.

Another man in that group just behind Bourdy is Chris Wood, who carded six birdies and a bogey in his 67.

"It was a solid score," said Wood.

"The conditions were perfect this morning but I have to say that after the conditions we have been playing in for the last three weeks it is great to come somewhere hot and where you can shoot a few under if you play well.

"I gave myself lots of chances so it was an enjoyable day out there - I am looking forward to the rest of the week now."

The likes of Gary Stal, Peter Lawrie and David Drysdale are all in a cluster of players three behind Bourdy, on four under.

Reigning champion Mikael Lundberg has work to do if he is to defend his title, the Swede shooting an even-par 72, which included a costly double-bogey six on the 12th.