India’s Anirban Lahiri played through the pain barrier to fire an eight under par 63 and lead after the opening round of the Omega European Masters at the breathtaking Crans-sur-Sierre.
Still nursing a twisted knee after falling awkwardly four weeks ago, the 26 year old had two eagles in his first round to lead by two – but Crans veterans Miguel Angel Jiménez and Thomas Björn and recent European Tour winners Paul Casey and Tommy Fleetwood are all firmly in contention after enjoying a profitable first day.
“I’ve a history with my knee as I tore my ACL when I was 15 so it was tough,” said Lahiri.
“I didn’t hit balls for 15 days. Monday was probably my fourth round in a month. I came in with no expectations and just wanted to enjoy my golf and that’s probably what’s happening out there today.”
Lahiri could be forgiven for feeling a slight sense of déjà vu – he also held a share of the first round clubhouse lead last year, only to miss the cut when the weather turned on day two.
Not that Lahiri, a three-time winner on the co-sanctioning Asian Tour, expects to suffer a similar fate this year.
“It was a tough pill to swallow last year but I’ve learnt a lot from that,” he added. “The weather was so much colder and it was a big adjustment for me.
“It was a harsh lesson, but a lesson for life nevertheless.”
Fleetwood won his first European Tour title a fortnight ago at Gleneagles, and after turning in a one under 34 eagled the long first and picked up three further birdies for a six under par round of 65.
The former Challenge Tour Number One’s first victory was followed by a missed cut in Wales, but the 22 year old feels better equipped to deal with the pressure now.
"I felt a lot better about my game from Monday onwards," Fleetwood said.
"It was a hard week; I wasn't prepared for how hectic it would be.
"It was my first win and hard to take and it was a big comedown but hopefully I'll be more prepared for my next win."
His score was matched by 2010 winner Jiménez, making his 25th consecutive appearance in the event, and Casey – the Irish Open winner producing the best round of the afternoon session.
“It is a very nice start,” said Spaniard Jiménez. “I played very well today - I can play this course with my eyes closed!”
The man who took the title from him in 2011 – Dane Thomas Björn – is a shot further back in fifth.
