Australia’s Daniel Gaunt has moved into a share of the first round lead at the M2M Russian Open alongside Scotland’s Scott Jamieson, with the pair signing for 6-under 65’s at Skolkovo Golf Club.

Jamieson’s flawless round included a run of four consecutive birdies just after the turn, having opened with a birdie at the tenth, his first, before picking up another shot at the par four 13th.

Gaunt, who claimed a career-best tied runner-up finish at the Made in Denmark two weeks ago, had a more colourful card as he reached the turn in three under before four birdies, an eagle and a double bogey on the back nine took him home in 36 shots.

"It was a good bounce back on the 16th and 18th there after a double bogey at 15. Apart from that I played great golf today. I holed loads of putts and started with a load of one-putts," said Gaunt.

"I had a great chip in at the 12th. I bombed a driver and then cut a little three-wood in because the hybrid was going to go the opposite way so I missed it just right and committed to the chip and it just ran out perfectly, right in the middle."

"I’ve been playing well. Last week, I wasn’t stressed about missing the cut. I got told I was playing great golf and I just came out here believing that now and if I can keep that up, one shot at a time and the results will take care of themselves."

Closest in chase were Lee Slattery of England and Welshman Bradley Dredge, who both carded five under rounds of 66, while defending champion David Horsey was one of the eight players a shot further back on four under as the Englishman chases a second victory in the space of three weeks, following his recent triumph in Denmark.

Results for the other Aussies in the field after round one:

Anthony Summers: 3-under 68 T13
Ryan Lynch: 2-under 69 T29
Jason Scrivener: 1-under 70 T48
Sam Brazel: 1-over T71
Jake Higginbottom: 2-over T83
Kalem Richardson: 3-over 74 T100
Nathan Holman: 3-over 74 T100
Steve Dartnall: 3-over 74 T100
Lincoln Tighe: 6-over 77 T121