Former Open Championship winner Paul Lawrie and Spanish Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jiménez were the main movers during the early stages of The Celtic Manor Wales Open second round.
With overnight leader Chris Wood not out until the afternoon the field had an opportunity to close in on the Englishman's six under par score.
Scot Lawrie made his move with five birdies across his outward nine holes, including a two at the 191 yard 17th.
And veteran Jiménez joined him on four under for the week with three birdies in his first six holes after signing for an opening one under 70.
That left the pair one behind Andrew Dodt and home favourite Bradley Dredge - the pair sharing second place on five under after the opening round and, like Wood, not out until the afternoon.
France's Raphaël Jacquelin remained on four under with a level par opening six holes, along with Edoardo Molinari and Richard McEvoy who were yet to tee off.
