The 46-year-old Irishman, whose last European Tour success was the 1993 Madrid Open, birdied five of the first six holes, two of them with chip-ins, on the way to a six-under-par 66.

It was the lowest return on a course trimmed from par 73 to 72 but failed to count as a record because preferred lies were in operation on the sodden fairways.

Even though the wet weather has produced a long course, a trusty 'broom-handle' putter left Smyth two better than a pack of six -- South African Retief Goosen, Japan's Katsuyoshi Tomori, Swede Fredrik Jacobson, Spaniards Santiago Luna and Miguel Jimenez and Frenchman Jean van de Velde.

The long-handled club paid handsome dividends for Smyth as he needed only 11 putts going out and 13 coming home -- three from off the green.

After several trials and tribulations last year and a poor start this year, the genial Irishman now has his feet firmly on the ground.

"Today was a real blast from the past for me," Smyth said. "But tournaments are over 72 holes.

"If I'm still up there with nine holes to go on Sunday I will not be afraid to win.

"But making the cut will be a relief after missing out both times this year so far.

"I only kept my card by two places and about 1,500 pounds ($2,000) last year and I don't want that kind of worry again this year.

"I think I've scared myself into this score. I feel like a hare being chased by a lot of young greyhounds, knowing I can't get away from them for another four years when I join the seniors.

"But I just love being competitive still. It's where I get my buzz."

Scotland's Sam Torrance, 45, was another veteran on song, returning after a five-week injury layoff to shoot a 69.

Goosen was playing only his second event this year after breaking his left arm on January 2 while skiing.

European rankings leader David Howell had a disappointing 74 while defending champion Peter Mitchell carded 71.