German Baraka leads Russian Open

MOSCOW, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- Germany's Kariem Baraka shot a 9-under-par 63 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead after one round of the Russian Open.

Baraka birdied the first four holes at Le Meridian Moscow Country Club

"That really got me going," Baraka said. "I just played really, really well, it's as simple as that."

Martin Wiegele of Austria was in second with a 65, followed by Mikael Lundberg, Matthew Cort, Euan Little and Matthew King, all at 67.

Wiegele was runner-up last year, losing to Marcus Fraser in a playoff.

"I remembered many of the shots I played and the good thoughts that I had last year," Wiegele said.