• BMW International Open, Round One

Mixed bag for Kaymer as Fraser & Zanotti fire

Martin Kaymer has work to do after a mixed round © PA Photos

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• Profile: Martin Kaymer | Pablo Larrazabal

Leaderboard

Australia's Marcus Fraser and Fabrizio Zanotti surged into a share of the lead at the BMW International Open following respective 64s, while home favourite Martin Kaymer finished the first round seven shots off the pace.

Fraser's all-round game was impressive: 15 greens were found in regulation, 12 of 14 fairways were hit and only 25 swings of the putter were needed as he rolled in eight birdies - including four in a row.

Zanotti was far less consistent than his co-leader, mixing seven birdies with two eagles, a bogey and a double bogey.

Kaymer's round was not as colourful, with the German unable to kick on after a solid opening. Three pars helped settle any early nerves, before a birdie at the par-five 13th gave him hope of shooting a competitive score. A string of pars checked his progress, however, and his frustrations became accentuated when he left the eighth with a bogey having found water with his approach.

A 71 is by no means catastrophic but the German will need to raise his level considerably if he is to climb the leaderboard and put himself into contention. Sergio Garcia carded the same score, the Spaniard left to rue some misses with the short stick.

Danny Willett is leading the chasing pack, the Englishman well positioned on seven-under. An eagle at the par-five 16th was the golden moment for Willett, who did not drop a shot during his 18 holes. Shiv Kapur is one of several players on six-under, the Indian making the most of having a hot putter in his hands with eight birdies.

Chris Wood is tied for third alongside Willett, with Paul McGinley also sitting on seven-under.

Stephen Gallacher, looking for his first European Tour victory since 2004, got off to a terrific start with six birdies in his first 12 holes. A late bogey soured things somewhat, but the Scot is in the hunt on five-under.

Defending champion Pablo Larrazabal showed he is ready to retain his title after starting with an encouraging 69. The Spaniard recovered from making bogey on his first hole to make a glut of birdies en route to a round of three-under.

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