SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France (AP) — Christian Nilsson of Sweden fired a 6-under 65 to lead by a stroke after the first round of the French Open on Thursday.
Nilsson made seven birdies and only one bogey on Le National.
Ranked 263rd in the world, Nilsson has not finished in the top 30 this year. He won his only title on the European Tour at the Saint-Omer Open in 2009.
Gary Boyd of England and Matteo Manassero of Italy shot bogey-free 66s to share second place with Wales Open winner Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand.
David Lynn of England, Federico Colombo of Italy and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain were in a tie for fifth place, two strokes off the lead.
