Seven players shared the lead after the opening day of the Portugal Masters on Thursday including Alvaro Quiros who carded a 29 on his closing nine holes at the Oceanico Victoria course.
The Spaniard, who was the champion on the Algarve in 2008 but whose career was interrupted by wrist surgery last year, suffered two bogeys early in his round.
But he stormed back with an impressive run on the home stretch to card a six-under 65.
He shares the lead with Felipe Aguilar, Jamie Donaldson, David Lynn, Max Kieffer, Graeme Storm and Simon Thornton.
“It was a good fight after being two over after five holes,” said the 30-year-old Quiros, who now lives in Portugal.
“I was putting beautifully and that was the key.
“This is my second home tournament and now that I’m living here I have to consider Portugal home. It’s always good, this event has been special since I’ve been coming here.”