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Kaymer's 62 leads Open de France golf

Martin Kaymer hits from the second tee box in the first round of the 109th U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York on June 18, 2009. (UPI Photo/John Angelillo) .
Martin Kaymer hits from the second tee box in the first round of the 109th U.S. Open at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York on June 18, 2009. (UPI Photo/John Angelillo) . | License Photo

PARIS, July 2 (UPI) -- Martin Kaymer shot 9-under-par 62 Thursday and has a three-stroke lead at the European Tour's Open de France golf tournament in Paris.

His course-equaling round began on the back nine and started ominously with a bogey at the par-5 10th, but an eagle and eight birdies helped him tie Eduardo Romero's 62, set in 2005.

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"I've been missing a lot of short putts, but everything came together and I hope it continues," the German said after playing through the pain of a right foot injury. "The foot's still hurting, but I will survive."

Peter Hanson, John Bickerton, Thongchai Jaidee, Rafa Echenique and Scott Strange all shot 6-under 65 and share second place.

Nick Dougherty, last week's winner at the BMW International Open in Munich, is tied for seventh with Paul Waring at 5-under 66.

Defending champion Pablo Larrazabal shot 4-under 67 and is tied for ninth place with 11 others, while American John Daly withdrew after 16 holes at 8-over-par.

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