Crowded leaderboard at European Amateur

SENICA, Slovakia — Swedish junior standout Marcus Kinhult fired eight-under 64 on day one of the European Amateur, and sits tied atop the leaderboard with three other players at Penati Golf Resort in Slovakia. Kinhult made nine birdies on Wednesday, coming in with 30 to join the group of leaders. Haraldur Magnus of the Iceland, Scott Gregory of England, and Vitek Novak of the Czech Republic also carded 64s during the first round. A shot behind the leading group are six players who posted 65 on day one. Notable players at seven-under include Illinois senior Thomas Detry of Belgium, recent South of England Amateur winner Luca Cianchetti of Italy, and Texas A&M senior Adria Arnaus of Spain. In total, 47 players shot 69 or better in their first rounds. Just missing the group of 60s is two-time defending champion Ashley Chesters of England. His first-round 70 puts him in a tie for 48th place but gives him plenty of time, three rounds, to make a comeback attempt in Slovakia to make it an incredible three in a row.