Westwood and Willett lead the way

Westwood (left) leads Willett by a single shot going into day two

Defending champion Lee Westwood leads by one stroke after the first round of the Andalucia Open after firing a blistering seven-under-par 65.

However, Westwood was overshadowed by 20-year-old amateur Danny Willett, who carded a 66 on his European Tour debut.

Sheffield's Willett had a chance to tie the lead at the 18th, but could only manage a bogey for a share of second.

Two-time Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal, returning after seven months

out injured, carded an encouraging 71.

The thought of the European Tour exemption would be too much of a temptation Danny Willett

Westwood reeled off seven birdies as he improved on his opening round of 2007 by seven strokes and declared his game in good shape ahead of next month's Masters.

"I'm playing with a lot of freedom at the moment and a 65 shows I've got a lot of confidence," said Worksop's Ryder Cup veteran.

"I used a similar game-plan to last year but my game's always a work in progress. I've got a few things I'm working on with one eye on the Masters."

Willett, ranked the world's top amateur by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, returned two eagles and four birdies in a round that was matched by Norway's Jan-Are Larsen.

He was invited to the event after claiming the Spanish Amateur title and he took immediate advantage by eagling his first hole.

Willett said: "There was quite a bit of pressure to try to play well because of the invitation. The eagle took a lot of first-hole nerves away and relieved the pressure. I just enjoyed myself then."

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Willett is planning to try for his professional card at the end of the year but said he would leave the amateur ranks instantly if he won on Sunday.

"I'd have 14 days to decide but the thought of the [European Tour] exemption would be too much of a temptation," said Willett.

The only amateur to win on the tour, 2007 Portuguese Open champion Pablo Martin of Spain, did not turn professional immediately but was allowed to keep his exemption under rules at that time.

Olazabal, who has been battling rheumatism since the end of last season and yesterday virtually ruled himself out of September's Ryder Cup, was happy with his showing.

"My back got a little tired towards the end but I scored better than I expected," said the Spaniard.