Spanish Rookie leads shortened first day

Spanish rookie Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano has offered a glimpse of his undoubted potential by scorching to six-under-par to lead the Italian Open after the first day.

The 24-year-old only turned professional last September but an eagle on the 18th at Castello di Tolcinasco to finish off an excellent opening round catapulted him into pole position.

Castano sits one shot clear of a chasing pack including British trio Gary Murphy, Simon Khan and Bradley Dredge.

"It was pretty good today," said the 2003 Spanish amateur champion after his round of 66.

"One of the biggest differences between being a good amateur player and a professional is course management and that is the area I knew I most had to improve on."

Defending champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland carded a 70 for a steady start however guest player and former British Open champion Mark Calcavecchia struggled round to shoot a 78.

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