Colsaerts clear at Hilversum

Nicolas Colsaerts carded a fine round of 62 to hold a two-shot lead at the end of the opening day of the KLM Open at Hilversum.

The big-hitting Belgian equalled his lowest ever score on the European Tour thanks to five birdies in his last six holes. He covered the back nine in just 29 shots.

His stunning finish left him clear of English playing partner Kenneth Ferrie, whose five-year exemption expires in November, and Indian Shiv Kapur.

Ferrie, the winner of the 2005 European Open, is currently precariously placed at 110th on the standings - only the top 115 keep their cards.

Fisher fires

Ross Fisher, one of three members of Europe's Ryder Cup team in action in the Netherlands, is amongst a group of seven players on five under.

The Englishman, a winner at the Irish Open last month, holed a bunker shot for an eagle three on the 499-yard 18th, leaving him three back of Colsaerts.

Alongside him in a share for fourth place are compatriot Nick Dougherty, Scotland's Richie Ramsay, Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin, home favourite Joost Luiten, Portugal's Jose-Filipe Lima and Tano Goya of Argentina.

"It's a final opportunity for me to play some competitive rounds tuning up my golf for the Ryder Cup," Fisher said.

"But Celtic Manor is still three weeks away and I've got world ranking and Race to Dubai (money list) points to think about.

"This course seems to fit my eye and from five under I'm hoping to move forward."

European skipper Colin Montgomerie will also have been pleased to see Martin Kaymer mark his return to action with a round of 67. The German is playing for the first time since winning the USPGA Championship.

Italian Francesco Molinari, the other Ryder Cup player to be taking part in the tournament, signed for a 68.

Former Open champion Todd Hamilton, who has made only one halfway cut in six European Tour starts this season, is one of six players on four under.