Rookie leads on European Tour

SUTTON COLDFIELD, England, May 8 (UPI) -- European Tour rookie David Dixon produced two eagles and upstaged a high-profile field Thursday with a 6-under 66 that put him in front after one round of the Benson and Hedges Open.

Dixon, who came through the Qualifying Tournament at the end of last season and whose best finish on the European Tour has been a tie for 14th place, led the way by a shot over Ireland's Padraig Harrington.

Defending champion Angel Cabrera and 2001 winner Henrik Stenson were another shot back at 68.

Dixon started on the back nine and he eagled the 545-yard 15th. He added one at the 538-yard third. He finished his round with a 9-iron to within a foot at the ninth for a birdie.

"My caddy suggested an 8-iron, but the nerves were jangling a little bit so I decided on a full nine and hit it just perfectly," said Dixon, who was the low amateur at the British Open two years ago. "I actually thought it was going in, but it was a nice way to finish.

"This is fantastic. I have often wondered what it would feel like to lead a tournament and here I am and it is pretty good. I will just try and see if I can build from here for the rest of the tournament."