Langer leads with opening 64

Germany's Bernhard Langer made seven great strides towards winning his 12th title on home soil and "completing the set" when he took a one-shot lead in the BMW International opening round on Thursday.

The BMW International is the only German title Langer does not hold.

But a spectacular run of seven successive birdies, only one birdie off the European Tour record run, for an 8-under-par 64, set up the chance for his maiden win in Munich.

"It would be nice to win this one, although there is a long way to go," said Langer after his blemish-free card.

"I can't remember when I last had seven successive birdies. Hopefully my game will continue. It's been only an average season compared to last year. "My fitness is pretty steady. I get a few aches and pains but I'm fit enough."

Langer's scintillating effort, which took him within two shots of the course record, on a morning of perfect conditions, edged him a stroke better than Britons Ian Poulter, Robert Coles and Richard Bland.

Poulter gained some consolation for missing out agonizingly by just one place from qualifying for the Ryder Cup team at the Nord-Eichenreid venue last year.

The 26-year-old Englishman is on standby for the 10 automatic qualifiers for Sam Torrance's European team, having finished 11th in the table.

Langer proved that he is in the best of health in body and game as he produced his scorching birdie run from the long 18th, having begun his round at the 10th.

The German again had his friend and neighbor from Boca Raton, American golf professional Russell Holden caddying for him.

He hopes his long-serving bagman Pete Coleman may still be fit -- the veteran English caddie broke his shoulder three weeks ago when he fell off a ladder picking fruit, and was told he would be out for at least six weeks -- for the Ryder Cup.

But if Coleman cannot carry, then he may keep Holden on the bag for The Belfry in a month's time.

"There is a chance Russell may be with me," added Langer. "But there is also a chance Pete Coleman may yet be fit.

"If I do go for somebody else it will be someone who has worked with me before."

South African Trevor Immelman eagled two of the last four holes to lie two strokes off the lead, playing alongside Poulter and one of the tournament favorites, Padraig Harrington, who carded a 70 with six birdies but four bogeys.

The player who beat him by a stroke when totalling 27-under for the event last year, John Daly, shot 70 after completing the last two holes of his round, following a one-hour lightning suspension in late afternoon, as did his playing partner Justin Rose.

Seve Ballesteros, returning from a two-month break, shot a 72 with three birdies, two to round off, and three bogeys.

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