Marc Warren and Paul Dunne lead the way in Spain

Marc Warren and Paul Dunne lead the Open de Espana by one shot at Centro Nacional de Golf after posting first round six-under-par 66s.

The 37-year-old Scot and three-time European Tour winner, Warren, edged clear of the chasing pack in Madrid courtesy of a great run in which he birdied five of his remaining seven holes.

Irishman Dunne joined him later on Thursday with an impressive round in which he hit one bogey, but fired five birdies and an eagle at the 18th.

World number four and home favourite Jon Rahm is hot on their heels after finishing his round on five under, where he is joined by fellow Spaniard, Victor Pastor, who is ranked 113th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking.

Afterwards, the 23-year-old told the European Tour website: “It is a good start in a great tournament.

“As an amateur it is a bit distressing because you don’t play your course or tournament but it feels good. My golf was good so I’m really happy.

“I’m trying to enjoy all my time here and it’s a good experience for me if I turn pro and, if I play good, I will enjoy it a lot.”

Rahm and Pastor are joined by 10 other players, including English trio Jonathan Thomson, Aaron Rai and Callum Shinkwin, France’s Julien Guerrier, Australian Jason Norris, Austrian Matthias Schwab and South African Erik van Rooyen on 67.

Defending champion Andrew Johnston is well placed another shot further back on four under, alongside the likes of Spaniard Pedro Oriol, Dane Thorbjorn Olesen and South African Richard Sterne.

Tagged European Tour, Marc Warren, Paul Dunne