Baraka sets opening pace with 63

Germany's Kariem Baraka fired a nine-under-par 63, one short of the course record, to take a two-stroke lead after the first day of the Russian Open on Thursday.

Last year's runner-up Martin Wiegele of Austria hit an eagle on the par-five second hole and eight birdies to finish the opening round second on 65.

Baraka and Wiegele overtook British duo Matthew King and Euan Little, who set the early pace with 67s at the Moscow Country Club just north of the capital.

"I just played really, really well. It's as simple as that," said 26-year-old Baraka, nephew of former Masters champion and Europe's Ryder Cup captain Bernard Langer.

"I started the day with four birdies in my first four holes, everything felt great today," he said.

Wiegele was equally pleased with his round.

"I've never shot more than 70 at this course," said the Austrian, who lost to Australia's Marcus Fraser in a sudden-death playoff at the second extra hole last year.

"I made some changes in my swing over the last two weeks and I hope that I can maintain it for the rest of the week."

King also shot eight birdies while Little had an eagle on the par five 17th but both ended up four strokes off the pace.

"I didn't feel as though I had hit the ball that well but I scrambled and putted well, said King.

Little added: "I've been making a lot of changes in my game with my coach Bob Torrance.

Early morning clouds had covered the skies above the picturesque course in suburban Nakhabino as the first group of players in the 156-strong field took to the course.

A heavy thunderstorm threatened to disrupt the play in the afternoon but things cleared up later in the day.

It was a disappointing day for home hope 18-year-old Andrei Pavlov, the best of the five Russians in the field, finishing tied for 104th at one over.

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