Wessberg shot three birdies on the front nine and three coming home

Sweden's Linda Wessberg fired a bogey-free six-under-par 66 to take a one stroke lead after the first round of the English Open at Chart Hills.

The 27-year-old leads Wales' Becky Brewerton and defending champion Cecilia Ekelundh.

Brewerton, who is chasing a Solheim Cup spot, carded five birdies and an eagle in an opening-round 67.

Karen Stupples posted a 71 in her first event since giving birth 10 weeks ago, while veteran Laura Davies shot 69.

Stupples, the 2004 Women's British Open champion, said: "I survived and my feet haven't fallen off. I'm very happy to have made it round and to have scored under par.

"I'm very happy about it. A pair of book-end birdies - birdie at the first and a birdie at the last and that was it."

Brewerton, who finished as joint runner-up at the Catalonia Ladies' Masters in June, was delighted with her performance.

"I've hit some of the best shots I've hit all year," she said. "I was on 16 greens and I was always putting for birdie.

"I had a lot of chances so I was pleased. It could have been better because I didn't hole many putts. But, saying that, I hit some phenomenal shots."

Germany's Martina Eberl and England's Lora Fairclough were on four-under 68.