Kaymer ties course record with 9-under 62 to lead French Open by 3 shots after first round

Kaymer leads after first round of French Open

SAINT-QUENTIN-EN-YVELINES, France — Martin Kaymer of Germany leads the French Open by three strokes after the first round, tying the course record with a 9-under 62.

Kaymer overcame a painful blister on his right foot and a bad start with an eagle on No. 3 and eight birdies to tie the Golf National record set by Eduardo Romero of Argentina in 2005.

Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Rafa Echenique of Argentina, Scott Strange of Australia, Peter Hanson of Sweden and John Bickerton of England all shot 65s.

England’s Paul Waring had a share of second place until he dropped a shot on the 17th. He finished with a 66, as did countryman Nick Dougherty. The winner of the BMW International Open on Sunday birdied his final hole.