Former Open Championship winner Lawrie and big-hitting Argentine Gonzalez shared the first round lead on seven under, but with Lawrie among the afternoon starters and Gonzalez level par for the day with three to play, the rest of the field were able to close in during the morning session.

Fernandez-Castaño seemed to have overcome his recent putting woes as he recorded four unanswered birdies over his first 13 holes to catch the leaders after his opening 68.

BMW International Open winner Horsey temporarily took the lead with birdies at the 11th and 13th on the way out, but a dropped shot at the second dropped him back to seven under, while his compatriot Finch birdied the fifth and sixth to turn in 34.

Four players were tied one shot off the pace - Scot David Drysdale, Spain's Ignacio Garrido, Argentine Tano Goya and Swede Christian Nilsson all on six under playing the back nine.