Swede Karlsson's bogey-free eight under par round featured four birdies on the way out before a hattrick from the second and a final gain on the sixth.

"I think with this kind of setup with not so much rough, that's very often what we play in Sweden," said Karlsson. "It's a bit similar to Swedish golf, and the speed of the greens as well are not super fast. I think we are very used to playing this type of golf on our home courses where we grew up."

His compatriot Edfors joined him thanks largely to an inward five under 31 on the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course.

And afterwards the former Barclays Scottish Open champion predicted a slice of European Tour history could be made before the week is out.

He said: "If the wind stays down, this is one of the courses you can shoot, especially now when the rough is down, as well. So without wind, the 59 is possible."

Dutchman Lafeber carded an incredible 11 birdies but a double bogey at the 18th - his ninth - cost him the outright lead.

It was proving to be a good day for the Swedish contingent, with Alexander Noren alone in fourth after an eagle at the par five 17th helping him to a 65.