Switzerland's Paolo Quirici fired a record-equalling 65 Thursday on the Parador Malaga course to take a two-shot lead in the Turespaña Masters.

Quirici ran in nine birdies to finish ahead of a group of six. They were: Europe's Ryder Cup captain Mark James, fellow Briton Roger Winchester, Argentine Angel Cabrera, Sweden's Christopher Hanell and Fredrik Jacobson, plus former Turespaña Masters winner Diego Borrego of Spain.

Quirici, who equalled his best Tour finish last year with joint fourth in the British Masters, has played well before in the Turespaña.

"I shot nine-under in this event two years ago when playing with Jesus Arruti, who was today's playing-partner," Quirici said. "So I should try to play with him all the time.

"I think the reason for this score was because I've been working very hard since last year with my new coach Andrea Ferrario and we have made many changes to my game."

James played alongside Briton John Bickerton, second in last week's Portuguese Open, but denied he was arranging draw-sheets this year so he could study players' form.

"I'm definitely not changing any draws this year so I can look at players," James said. "And I won't be at all.

"The last thing players want is to have me playing alongside them to drive them over the edge. They don't need it.

"There is a possibility, in fact, that I might ask for certain players not be drawn with me if I think it will affect them."

José Maria Olazábal and Darren Clarke, two members of Europe's 1997 Ryder Cup team, had an indifferent morning.

Olazábal posted a 72, and playing-partner Clarke managed a 73.

Both were outshot by the 71 of Seve Ballesteros, their captain two years ago.