Pietro Bovari (European G.A. photo)

The prestigious title, which comes not just with a trophy, but a berth in the Open Championship at St. Andrews, is being contested at Parador El Saler in Spain.

Bovari's compatriot Filippo Celli held a three-shot lead after a stunning 64 (-8) in Wednesday's opening round. But Celli slipped to a 74 today, and Bovari took over.

A bogey-free round of 66 (-6) in windy conditions, with birdies on the opening and closing holes, moved Bovari from 1-under 7-under, and into the solo lead.

Bovari, from Milan, plays collegiately at Virginia (junior) where he recorded a runner-up finish this year at the Daniel Island Collegiate. He also finished 16th in the prestigious Jones Cup Invitational at Sea Island, Georgia.

Round one leader Filippo Celli sits alone in second place, one shot behind.

Jack Ingham will join the Italian duo Celli and Bovari in the final grouping on Friday. The Dutch player carded a 3-under-par 69 today to move a whopping 16 spots up the leaderboard and into third place at 5-under.

Honk Kong's Taichi Kho posted even par on Thursday, and stands shots behind Bovari on -4. Seven players currently sit in a tie for 5th place on three-under-par. The group includes former Jacques Léglise Trophy player, Daniel Rodrigues of Portugal.

Javier Barcos Garbayo paced the 15 golfers representing the host country Spain. Garbayo is four back of the lead after a 3-under 69 on Thursday.