Barham takes Austrian Open lead

England's Benn Barham fired a stunning eight-under 63 to take a one-shot lead after the Austrian Open first round.

The 33-year-old from Kent carded seven birdies and an eagle at the Fontana Golf Club in Vienna to lead Scot Scott Drummond and Australian Brett Rumford.

English duo Phillip Archer and Mark Foster are in the group on six under, two off the lead.

Soren Hansen, the highest ranked player in the Race to Dubai list at the event, is tied for 13th on four under.

Barham, who needing to climb 60 places from his present 175th to save his European Tour card, equalled the lowest round of his career to lead the event.

The pick of his round was at the 423-yard 13th, where his 150-yard approach pitched just past the flag and spun back in for an eagle.

"I couldn't quite see it drop, but the people around the green were shouting and waving so I knew it had gone in," he said.

"This time of year you have no choice - either knuckle down and play well to keep your card or go somewhere else, which I am not thinking about.

"I've been playing well the last four or five weeks, so this is not a freak round."

Drummond is aslo fighting for his future, his five-year exemption for winning the 2004 PGA Championship at Wentworth expiring in November.

"I'm delighted," said the 35-year-old, who is 158th on the money list.

"It's my lowest round of the season - and for the last few seasons, in fact.

"It was nice to get a top 20 finish last week, but I needed to bring that form to this week and keep the momentum going, which I've done today.

"I don't feel I have hit the ball better at any point in my career and I feel comfortable where I am at."