Scotland's Scott Jamieson fired an opening-round six-under-par 65 to hold a share of the lead after day one of the M2M Russian Open.
Jamieson led the way alongside Australia's Daniel Gaunt, one shot clear of Wales' Bradley Dredge and England's Lee Slattery at Skolkovo Golf Club.
The Scot picked up birdies at the 10th, his first, the 13th and then four in a row just after the turn in a round of no dropped shots.
Gaunt enjoyed a rather more topsy-turvy round featuring three birdies, an eagle and a double bogey on the back nine alone.
Jamieson said: "The birdie putt at nine was looking good, but it was just a relief to see it settle just a foot from the hole. It's a tough hole today, playing into the wind with a back pin so three is a good score there.
"It's probably a typical Nicklaus course, there's a bit of room off the tee, but you have to be really careful with your approach shots to the greens.
"If you get slightly out of position it can get really tough so I'm trying to follow Jack's philosophy of middle of the green and take it from there.
"I feel you have to play away from the flags sometimes, that's the way to approach it, but it's quite an unnatural thing to do.
"It's flawless, probably the best conditions we've seen all year. There's hardly a blade of grass out of place anywhere across the whole estate so it's a pleasure to come and play."
Slattery and Dredge were a shot clear of an eight-strong group on four under which included defending champion David Horsey, chasing a second victory in three weeks following his win in Denmark.
Source: PA
