Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain equalled the Oitavos Dunes course record of seven-under 64 on Thursday to take an early one-stroke first-round lead in the Portuguese Open. James Kamte of South Africa was in second place, with three Britons – Barry Lane, Simon Dyson and Steve Webster – sharing third after rounds of 67. Fernandez-Castano was glad to be free of the shackles of tournament-hosting as the Spaniard ran up eight birdies to repeat the good form he had shown in the pro-am the previous day. Last week, he co-hosted the Andalucia Open with compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez and he admitted that had cramped his style. “I feel more relaxed, that's for sure,” he told reporters. “I showed that when I shot 62 in the pro-am. But I never expected to shoot 64.” The 27-year-old Madrid professional has been widely tipped to become the latest Ryder Cup Spaniard but he is way down the table at the moment and looking for a kick-start to the campaign before it is too late. Kamte, guided by Ernie Els to become only the second black South African to earn a card on the European Tour since Vincent Tshabalala in the 1970s, included an eagle and five birdies. Lane nearly won the event in 2005 but took a nine on the 72nd hole to crash off the top of the leaderboard. Holder Pablo Martin, with an afternoon tee-time, began the defense of his title with two opening birdies.Ichihara takes slim lead In Manila, Japan's Kodai Ichihara took a one-shot lead in the first round of the Philippine Open here Thursday, firing a six-under-par 66 in the Asian Tour Event. Ichihara hit seven birdies and a lone bogey for a one stroke advantage over local player Benjie Magada and Australia's Gavin Flint who carded 67s at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. “My putting was excellent today. I holed a 36 foot birdie putt on the fourth hole and that got my momentum going,” said 25-year-old Ichihara. Magada, who turned professional in 1992, eagled the par five fourth. “I did not have much tournament exposure prior to this week so I am quite surprised to be among the top players. My putting and driving has been the key for me today,” said Magada. Ashley Hall of Australia shot a 68 to lie in a tie for fourth place together with Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol in the $300,000 tournament. Australian Michael Wright was in lone sixth spot three strokes off the pace while Thai youngster Wisut Artjanawat carded a 70 to lie in seventh place. Brisbane-based Flint was relieved to bounce back from a slow start this season with six birdies against a dropped shot to lie in a tie for second place. Defending champion Frankie Minoza endured a slow start after a 76 in a tie for 80th position. __
