Chris Doak leads Spanish golf tournament

SEVILLE, Spain, March 26 (UPI) -- Scotland's Chris Doak birdied the 18th hole Thursday giving him a 1-stroke lead at the Open de Andalucia golf tournament in Seville, Spain.

Doak, a non-winner in five seasons on the European Tour, shot 6-under-par 66 and leads a group of four players, including countryman Colin Montgomerie.

"The best gift was that 67," Montgomerie said after the beginning of his 500th European Tour appearance and the event's early front-runner. "That's three tournaments in a row with a 67. Things are looking up."

Also on the leader board at 4-under 68 is a group of seven led by Scotland's Andrew Coltart and fellow Danes Thomas Bjorn and Soren Kjeldsen.

On a day filled with low scores, defending champion Thomas Levet of France opened with a 2-under 70 and is tied for 18th place with 20 others.