SCIACCA, Sicily – Peter Lawrie of Ireland led the Sicilian Open by a stroke after shooting an 8-under 64 in the opening round on Thursday.
Lawrie, whose only win on the European Tour came at the 2008 Spanish Open, had nine birdies and a bogey on the par-4 13th at the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort.
Jamie Donaldson, attempting to win his first tournament in 249 attempts, had five birdies and an eagle in a 65 to move into a share of second with Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark and Tano Goya of Argentina.
Kjeldsen had six birdies and an eagle in the calmer morning conditions.
Italian teenager Matteo Manassero had birdies on two of his last three holes for a 72.
Defending champion Raphael Jacquelin shot 68, Rich Beem bogeyed his last hole to finish at 69 and John Daly had a 71.
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