Rookie leads the Beijing Open

BEIJING, April 17 (UPI) -- A 5-under-par 67 Thursday put Michael Lorenzo-Vera in front of seven others by one stroke after the first round of the Beijing Open golf tournament.

Following a bogey at the first hole, the Frenchman birdied 2, 6, 11, 14 and 18, with the birdie at the last hole securing his lead.

"I'm very pleased with that," the 23-year old European Tour rookie said. "I have had a few problems with my game but now I am just enjoying it. I am making better decisions and it is getting easier. I was making mistakes with the strategy and that is getting much better, so I am very happy."

Simon Griffiths, Zane Scotland and Richard Finch, all from England, America's Jason Knutzon, China's Chao Li, Joost Luiten from Netherlands and Ireland's Damien McGrane all shot 4-under 68 to grab a share of second place.

Defending champion Markus Brier is one of 10 players tied for 18th place at 1-under 71.