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Ernie Els produced his lowest score in seven months on Thursday to storm to the front in the 25th anniversary BMW International Open in Munich.
The reigning British Open champion broke free from what he described as last week's US Open 'torture chamber' at Merion to record an eagle and seven birdies in a sparkling 9-under 63 around the Munich layout.
England's Matthew Baldwin and Sweden's Alex Noren are next best in the clubhouse on eight under par.
South Africa's Brandon Stone, in his first tournament as a professional, shot a superb round of 6-under 66.
James Kingston also had a good first day with a round of 4-under 68.
