Denmark's Soren Hansen, the 2007 champion, repeated his opening 65 of two years ago to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship on Thursday.

The 35-year-old Hansen carded a seven-under score to stand one ahead of England's Chris Wood while Scotland's David Drysdale, Ross Fisher of England, South Africa's James Kingston and Scott Strange of Australia are a further shot behind.

Hansen sank a 12 footer for eagle at the 509 yard 13th and also made five birdies.

"It seemed easy. I played tremendously when I won here and I've always liked this place. I just kept giving myself chances," said the Dane.

"I drove the ball lovely and had the speed right, which is why I holed all these putts. I think I hit form around summer time in Europe. The course is presented well, in good condition and I like a lot about it - some courses stick in your mind and you can produce good shots."

In July, Wood was close to becoming the youngest winner of the British Open since 1893 but a closing bogey denied him a place in the Turnberry play-off between Stewart Cink and Tom Watson.

His consolation is a place at the Masters next April as a result of his third place.

On Thursday, he was two under at the turn and then had a hat-trick of birdies on the homeward stretch.

Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson, the two highest ranked players in the 78-man field, both returned rounds of 70 while 52-year-old host Bernhard Langer came back from two early double bogeys to be one under.

AFP

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