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Marcel Schneider leads in Austria, Conor Purcell five shots back

Marcel Schneider tees off on the eighth hole
Marcel Schneider tees off on the eighth hole

Germany's Marcel Schneider claimed a two-shot lead after the first round of the Austrian Alpine Open in Salzburg, with Ireland's Conor Purcell five shots off the pace-setter.

Schneider carded an eagle and six birdies in an opening seven-under-par 63 at Gut Altentann Golf Club as the tournament returned to the DP World Tour schedule for the first time since 2021.

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Compatriot Nicolai von Dellingshausen and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts were Schneider's nearest challengers on five under par, with Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari part of a group on four-under.

Purcell got round with a two-under 68, picking up four birdies and a couple of bogeys.

Schneider told Sky Sports: "I started quite well obviously. I was in control on the greens, off the greens, long shots off the tee, so overall I'm actually super happy because coming into the week I didn't feel too great to be honest.

"Today I managed well, I hit good shots and I hope to ride that wave."

The highlight of Schneider's round came when he holed out from 94 yards for an eagle on the par-four second, his 11th hole of the day.

"Off the tee I thought I was a touch left but it ended up in the fairway and then it was a perfect yardage for my 60 degree wedge," Schneider added.

"I thought I can't go long and it had a nice shift from right to left and lucky enough it finished in the hole."

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