Hansen leads the European Open

KENT, England, May 28 (UPI) -- Denmark's Anders Hansen shot 7-under-par 65 Thursday and holds a one-stroke lead after the first 18 holes at the European Open in Kent, England.

His bogeyless round included five birdies and an eagle at the par-5 eighth hole.

"I've been struggling a bit with my long game and (today's score) gave me a huge confidence boost," Hansen said on the European Tour Web site. "It was a fantastic way to come into this (tournament)."

Hansen holds a one-stroke lead over Sweden's Peter Hanson, the early frontrunner, South Africa's Thomas Aiken and India's Jyoti Randhawa.

A group of nine golfers shares fifth place at 5-under 67.

Sergio Garcia, the 2008 runnerup, shot 3-under 69 after bouncing back from an opening double bogey six.

Defending champion Ross Fisher of England opened with a 1-over 73 and is locked in a tie for 95th place.