Peperell leads Spanish Open golf

English golfer Eddie Pepperell, at four under par, has a one-stroke lead over eight players after the first round of the Spanish Open.

English golfer Eddie Pepperell carded a four-under-par 68 to lead the Spanish Open after the first round at the PGA Catalunya Resort on Thursday.

He finished a shot ahead of a group of eight players, including pre-tournament favourite Sergio Garcia and fellow Spaniards Miguel Angel Jimenez and Rafael Cabrera-Bello.

Another eight players were a shot further back on two under, including Ryder Cup hopeful Joost Luiten and former Open Champion Paul Lawrie, who was making his first appearance since the end of January after back and neck problems.