Dougherty's on his own at the front

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What was intended to be a three-ball with Swede Peter Hedblom and Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara became a one-ball when Hedblom withdrew before the start because of rib trouble and Lara was forced to quit after 10 holes due to an ankle problem.

Dougherty played the remaining eight holes on his own and reached a superb seven under par before bogeying the last for a 66 and one-stroke advantage over fellow Englishman Stuart Little, France's Gregory Bourdy and Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen.

The round spilled into the afternoon after rain delays on the opening day, and Dougherty had only a 30-minute break before teeing off again - this time with good friend Simon Dyson as his playing partner.

"I quite enjoyed it, to be honest," said Dougherty, who has been having treatment for a back strain himself and was worried he might be the one who had to scratch.

"I slowed down everything - the way I walked, the way I talked and I was detailed in my preparation for every shot.

"One of my flaws is that I get a bit rushed, so it was good for me."