Matthieu Pavon leads Open de Espana with champion Jon Rahm in touch

Frenchman Matthieu Pavon carded a first-round 63 to open up a one-shot lead after day one of the Open de Espana in Madrid.

The 30-year-old – who finished second at this event last season – carded an eagle and seven birdies with a single bogey to get to eight under and lead the way from Dutchman Wil Besseling.

England's Eddie Pepperell was alongside Portuguese Pedro Figueiredo and France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera at six under, two clear of world number three and defending champion Jon Rahm, who is looking for a fourth win in the last five editions of his national open.

Rahm hit five birdies and dropped just one shot in his round and is in a share of 17th.

Tom McKibbin is the only Irishman in action in the event. His even-par 71 leaves him in joint 75th place.