Norwegian rookie Eirik Tage Johansen surged to the head of the standings after the opening round of the European Tour's qualifying school final at San Roque on the Costa del Sol.
The 24-year-old, who joined the pro ranks in the summer, harnessed the testing, windy conditions over the New course and posted a neatly assembled seven-under-par 65 to ease into a three stroke lead over former Irish Open champion Patrik Sjoland.
American Notah Begay III, a four-time winner on the PGA Tour, birdied two of his final three holes to finish with a level-par 72 alongside former French Open winner Malcolm MacKenzie and English Amateur champion Ross McGowan.
European Ryder Cup vice-captain Peter Baker, three-over after four holes, managed to haul himself back to the one-under mark but spilled four shots on his final six holes to eventually sign for a two-over 74.
Andrew Oldcorn, the 2001 Volvo PGA champion, could only muster a 75 while former Italian Open champion Dean Robertson slithered to a 78.
The remainder of the 156-strong field, including Philip Walton and David Higgins, tee-up in their first round tomorrow.
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