• Portugal Masters

Seven lead the way in Portugal

Alvaro Quiros enjoyed a good opening round at his 'home' tournament © Getty Images

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Seven players sit atop of the leaderboard after the opening round of the Portugal Masters, with each carding a six-under-par 65 to for a share of the lead at the Oceanico Victoria course.

Jamie Donaldson, David Lynn and Alvaro Quiros join Simon Thornton Felipe Aguilar, Maximilian Kieffer and Graeme Storm tied for top-spot in Algarve.

Lynn could have made himself sole leader if not for a dropped shot at the 18th, while Quiros continued his recent return to form with six birdies in the opening nine holes. However, Brit Storm enjoyed a remarkable rise up the leaderboard with six birdies on his return to the clubhouse.

Spaniard Quiros, who lives in Portugal, paid tribute to his work on the greens in what he described as his "home" tournament.

"It was a good fight after being two over after five holes," Quiros said. "I was putting beautifully and that was the key.

"This is my second home tournament and now that I'm living here I have to consider Portugal home. It's always good, this event has been special since I've been coming here."

A further nine players sit just one shot back at five-under following rounds of 66, including Brits Chris Wood, Scott Jamieson and Andy Sulivan.

Elsewhere, Ross Fisher enjoyed a four-under round of 67 while Joost Luiten finished his first visit with a three-under 68.

Paul McGinley and Miguel Angel Jimenez remain at even-par, while Paul Lawrie props up the field at eight-over.

Ignacio Garrido was the only withdrawal at seven-over-par.

Portugal Masters leaderboard

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