-5 Bradley Dredge (GB), Unho Park (Aus) -4 Stephen Dodd (GB), Matthew King (GB), Marc Cayeux (Zim), Barry Lane (GB), Jason Dawes (Aus), Amandeep Johl (Ind) -3 Joon Chung (S Kor), Mads Vibe-Hastrup (Den), Angelo Que (Phi), Zhang Lian-wei (Chn), James Kingston (SA), Andrew Pitts (US)

The 31-year-old, with a solitary European Tour victory at the Madeira Open in 2003, has a best finish of fifth at the Canaries Open this season.

He had to endure nine hours at the airport after arriving without a visa, but carded an eagle and five birdies.

Australian Unho Park is also five-under and Barry Lane lies one shot adrift.

Dredge, who chipped in for his eagle at the 14th, said: "I'd spent �2,000 on air tickets and if I felt I could have got it back I probably would not have come.

"I got to my hotel after midnight on Tuesday, but somehow I've managed to sleep well since."

Tour stalwart Lane, who won the British Masters at the Forest of Arden this summer, his first victory for 10 years, has also finished fifth twice this year.

He also experienced transport problems, having been woken from his repose following the UBS Cup in America last week to be told that he must pay a �900 baggage fee for his clubs.

"Absolutely ludicrous," said the 44-year-old, who in the end chose to bring the clubs with him on British Airways at no extra cost, and birdied five of the last six holes.

The adrenalin took care of the jetlag Matthew King

Matthew King, from Lincolnshire, marked his second appearance on the main tour with a 68 to join the group sharing second.

Originally 10th reserve, he was paired with former Open champion Paul Lawrie and 2002 rookie of the year Nick Dougherty but out-scored them both.

"The adrenalin took care of the jetlag," said King, who has just graduated from the "second division" Challenge Tour.

Britons Mark Foster and Simon Yates made respectable starts with rounds of 70.

"I'm not going to get carried away by this round," said Foster, who finished 98th on the 2004 money list.

"It was a nice one, but I'm trying to get more consistency in my game." The highlight of his round was a five-wood at the 10th, which landed on the green and set him up for an eagle.

Yates, who last week missed out in the US Tour qualifying school by two strokes, said jet lag had been a major stumbling block on Thursday.

"My body clock's all over the place and I played OK considering I haven't had much feeling with my swing lately," said Yates.

"I thought the scoring would be better, but conditions weren't the easiest and the greens here are tough to read."

Tournament favourite Thomas Bjorn, the only player in the world's top 100 taking part this week, made a quiet start with a round of 71.