Jeff Winther opened up a one-shot lead over defending champion Thomas Pieters in the early stages of round three at the D+D REAL Czech Masters.
The rookie secured his card by finishing 11th on last season's Road to Oman and made a decent start to European Tour life, finishing second at the Tshwane Open in February.
He has made just three cuts since but has found some encouraging form this week and took advantage of the par five first to move to 11 under and edge ahead after three holes.
That took the Dane to four under on the opening hole for the week after a birdie on day one and an eagle on Friday at Albatross Golf Resort.
Belgian Pieters, fresh off a fourth-placed finish at the Olympic Men's Golf Competition, parred the first three holes to stay at ten under.
Swede Peter Hanson and Englishman David Howell were then at eight under after both men picked up two shots in their opening four holes.
There was then a group of six players at seven under, including Matthew Fitzpatrick, who recovered from a bogey on the first with birdies on the second and fourth.
The 21 year old is seeking a good finish this week to shore up his place in Darren Clarke's European Ryder Cup Team.
American Paul Peterson was also in that group after turning in 31 with five birdies, alongside countryman Daniel Im, English duo Ryan Evans and Richard McEvoy and Swede Robert Karlsson - who were all on the front nine in their third rounds.
England's James Robinson was six under after 15 holes while countryman Charlie Ford was five under for the day through 13 to sit alongside him.
Laurie Canter, Matt Ford and Graeme Storm were also at six under along with Australian Brett Rumford.
Gary Boyd had set the clubhouse target at five under after a 66.
