Swedish duo lead in Portugal

Robert Karlsson and Johan Edfors led a strong Swedish challenge on the opening day of the Portugal Masters today.

Both men carded eight-under-par 64s on the Oceanico Victoria course to establish a one-shot lead over countryman Alexander Noren and Dutchman Maarten Lafeber, who was seven under after 16 holes.

Karlsson was a model of consistency after starting his round on the 10th, picking up birdies on his first, the 12th, the 16th and the 17th.

He was equally efficient coming back, picking up shots at two, three, four and six.

Edfors did much of his good work in his back nine with five birdies to add to the three he shot on the way out.

Noren had more ups and downs in his round with seven birdies, one eagle and two bogeys.

Englishman David Horsey is a shot further back at six under while Spain’s Alvaro Quiros leads a pack of seven players at five-under.

Of Europe’s Ryder Cup heroes, England’s Ross Fisher was best placed with a four-under 68.

The Molinari brothers, and Miguel Angel Jimenez, were all at level par early in their opening rounds.