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Oldcorn takes lead with 64

Andrew Oldcorn fired an eight-under 64 on Thursday to grab a two-shot lead after the first round of the Spanish Open.

France's Jean-Francois Remesy is alone in second at six-under while Darren Clarke, Graham Rankin, Andrew Raitt, Carlos Rodiles and Carl Pettersson share third at minus-five.

Oldcorn opened with two birdies in his first five holes and then added another at the 359-yard, par-four eighth.

It was at the turn where Oldcorn made his move. He birdied the first five holes on his second nine and then parred out for a back- nine 31 and his 64.

Thursday's first round was played within preferred-lies condition but Oldcorn flirted with matching Bernhard Langer's course-record 62 at the Campo del Golf El Saler.

"It was never going to count with preferred lies, but it still had to be done on a really tough course," said Oldcorn, who last won the 1995 Jersey Open. "As soon as I didn't birdie the 15th, I knew I couldn't match Bernhard's score, but I seem to do well on demanding courses.

Andrew Oldcorn on his way to a first day lead. Allsport.

"This course demands you play well off the tee, so that played right into my hands because it's my strong point."

This is only the third time that Oldcorn has played this season as he took time off for the birth of his daughter and the death of his longtime friend and manager, Alan Maxwell.

"Alan's death reminded me what the important things in life, and that's why I decided to take three months off this season to be at home with my wife and daughter."

Remesy mixed seven birdies and one bogey for his round of 66.

Clarke looked like the record was his on Thursday as he shot out of the gate with birdies at each of his first six holes. He cooled down after that and picked up a bogey at his 16th hole -- the par-four seventh -- for a 67.

The Spanish duo of Jose Maria Olazabal and Sergio Garcia returned home with opening-round 69s, while countryman Miguel Angel Jimenez is two shots further at minus-one.

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