CRANS-SUR-SIERRE, Switzerland, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Defending champion Robert Karlsson and Ernie Els shared the lead Thursday after the opening round of the European Masters.
They both fired a 6-under 65 to own a one-shot advantage over Mark McNulty, Eduardo Romero, Paul Eales, Henrik Bjornstad and Marc Farry.
Karlsson started with the same score he had last year after the first round en route to a four-shot victory and a fifth European Tour title. A repeat on Sunday would go a long way to make up for the disappointment of last week.
Karlsson led by two shots going into the final round of the BMW International Open in Munich but struggled to a closing 74 and finished tied for eighth as Lee Westwood claimed his first win in almost three years.
This week marks the start of the Ryder Cup qualifying process for the European team.
