Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters claimed a share of the early lead as the M2M Russian Open began in Moscow.
The 22 year old Qualifying School graduate had five birdies against a single bogey over his first 14 holes to reach four under par at Tseleevo Golf & Polo Club.
That was enough to join Australian Jack Wilson, South African Oliver Bekker and India's Gaganjeet Bhullar in a tie for top spot.
France's Adrien Saddier, German Max Kieffer and English pair Matthew Nixon and Gary Boyd were all one behind during the early exchanges.
Scott Jamieson, fresh from a top-ten finish in his home Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open a fortnight ago, and fellow European Tour winners David Horsey and Mortem Ørum Madsen were among the afternoon starters.
