Marcel Siem is hoping a change of approach to his golf could pay dividends this weekend after the German shot an eight-under-par 64 to take a one-stroke lead in the opening round of the inaugural Avantha Masters in New Delhi.
The 29 year-old is searching for only his second win on the European Tour following his victory at the Dunhill Championship six years ago.
Siem's best finish in the five tournaments he has played this season was equal 22nd at the Joburg Open but he got his challenge for victory off to a solid start in India on Thursday with eight birdies before an eagle on the ninth – his last hole – moved him ahead of Chan Yih-shin, of Chinese Taipei.
Siem said: "I have gone back to my old swing, gone from the fade to the high draw that I used to play, which is my natural game.
"I have been working harder than ever before as well. I spent 10 hours on the range on Monday and Tuesday this week and that is something that I have never done before so I am taking this a lot more seriously these days."
English duo John Parry and Barry Lane kept themselves in contention after carding 67s to sit in a group of seven players tied for third.
Parry claimed his maiden Challenge Tour win in October last year at the Allianz Golf Open Grand Toulouse before securing his best ever finish on the European Tour when he tied 10th at the Joburg Open last month.
"I am finding the transition from Challenge Tour to European Tour pretty easy to be honest," said the 22 year-old from Harrogate. "I am not really one for bothering about playing against a higher standard of player, or in front of big crowds at bigger events.
"The tournaments out on the European Tour are a lot bigger, but, at the end of the day, it's still just me against the golf course and that is always going to be your biggest challenge."
Fellow Englishman Oliver Fisher started well and held a share of the lead midway through his round but a double bogey on the par-five 14th saw him drop into a share of 26th place on two under.
Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke finished one under following a 71.
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