Waring avoids fairways but leads in Paris

England’s Paul Waring left some of Europe’s biggest names trailing in his wake to claim the lead after the first round of the £5.4 million HNA Open de France.

Waring, 32, who is competing this season on a medical exemption due to ongoing back problems which restricted him to four starts in 2016, carded seven birdies in a flawless seven-under-par opening 64 at Le Golf National, venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup.

That left the former English Amateur champion two shots clear of Thomas Pieters, Alexander Bjork and qualifying school winner Nathan Kimsey, with Tommy Fleetwood included in a three-strong group on four under.

Pieters carded six birdies and a solitary bogey in his 66 after benefiting from a putting lesson from the coach of fellow Belgian Thomas Detry. “I did some good work on Sunday with Thomas Detry’s putting coach and he made a bunch of putts last week so I figured he’s good,” said Pieters.

Former champions Martin Kaymer and Graeme Mcdowell were three off the pace after rounds of 69.

Waring, ranked 279th in the world, said: “I’m made up. I think I only hit five fairways which is obscene, but had nine putts on the back nine and gave myself some real chances and took them. I felt the short game was really tidy and holed a few putts for par to keep momentum going.

“You are always trying to push yourself forward, move up any sort of rankings, be that Race to Dubai or world rankings. We’ve got a good strong field here this year so there’s plenty of world ranking points available.”