Thomas Björn continued his sensational run of form as he turned in a five under par 31 to lead during the early stages of the Portugal Masters.
The 40 year old Dane has already won in Qatar, Scotland and Switzerland this year and at seventh in The Race to Dubai is on course for a hefty share of the $7,500,000 bonus pool.
Starting on the back nine at Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Björn birdied the tenth and 11th, gained another shot at the 14th before completing the outward half with successive birdies.
At five under he led by one from Ross Fisher – a winner on The European Tour every year from 2006-2010 but still seeking a first victory of this campaign.
Like Björn, The Ryder Cup star began on the back nine and birdies at the 11th, 14th, 15th and 17th saw him turn in 32.
Fisher had an extra incentive this week, with the cut-off point for the World Golf Championships-HSBC Champions looming, the Englishman has yet to secure one of the 78 spots available in Shanghai.
Six players had reached three under during the early stages on the Algarve – three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, big-hitting Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares, Swede Johan Edfors, England’s Richard Bland and Scot Gary Orr all starting well.
