Sebastian Soderberg topped a congested leaderboard midway through the opening round of the ISPS HANDA Wales Open.
The 29-year-old Swede, who claimed his maiden European Tour title in Switzerland last year, birdied the first, fifth and sixth to turn in 33 at The Celtic Manor Resort.
The World Number 183 then missed from inside five feet for a gain at the 11th but made amends at the 12th with a birdie from 20 feet.
At four under par, Soderberg led by one from clubhouse leader Callum Shinkwin, his fellow Englishman Matthew Southgate and Spain's Nacho Elvira.
Shinkwin had four birdies and a single bogey in his round of 68, while Elvira and Southgate both got off to fast starts to be three under through four and five holes respectively.
Sam Horsfield, chasing a third win in four events and back-to-back successes in south Wales, was two over with one to play.
