Dyson is ranked 75th in the world

R1 LEADERBOARD:
(GB unless stated)
-4 S Dyson
-3 R McGowan, L Oosthuizen (SA), S Gallacher
-2 P Broadhurst, N Dougherty, B Lane

England's Simon Dyson leads the Portuguese Open after a four-under-par round of 67 in the first round.

The 29-year-old Yorkshireman is a shot ahead of compatriot Ross McGowan, Scotland's Stephen Gallacher and South African Louis Oosthuizen.

Defending champion Paul Broadhurst, who is seeking his third consecutive title, is among a trio on two under.

Dyson had an early tee-time, which meant he enjoyed the best conditions on a windy day at the Oitavos course.

Players who started later on Thursday had to cope with winds that were gusting up to 30mph.

His round included a 20-foot eagle putt at the 573-yard 16th, which down-wind he reached with a drive and a five-iron.

"It was just solid striking," he said. "I only hit one bad shot and it's just about keeping your head - it can make you look stupid at times.

"I had one shot of 100 yards and hit an eight-iron that came up 20 yards short. It was nice to start off in calmer conditions."

Broadhurst, who had to battle with the strong wind, admitted he had found the conditions a real test.

"It's just a matter of surviving," he said. "Putting is as hard as anything and, if you back off a shot, you can end up in a different county."

Among those suffering in the wind was Briton Robert Rock, who ran up an 11 at the par-five eighth on the way to a 79.

There were also three nines, several eights and a glut of sevens in the opening round.