Also on that mark is Johan Edfors, who has already won three times this season.

BBC: R3 LEADERBOARD

Welsh star David Park, Denmark's Mads Vibe-Hastrup and Swede Johan Edfors are a shot further back in seventh place.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Three share Dunhill lead

Sweden's Johan Edfors is two behind with Colin Montgomerie is in a share of seventh place on nine under.

BBC: Lowry stays top in Irish Open

Swedes Robert Karlsson and Johan Edfors, plaus Frenchman Julien Guerrier, winner of the British Amateur championship, will also make their debut.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Dredge claims first Masters start

Howell is 23 under par, one stroke ahead of Australia's Andrew Buckle, who carded a 65, and two ahead of Sweden's Johan Edfors, who returned a 63.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Howell matches Euro Tour record

Last week's British Masters winner Johan Edfors led the first round field on three under, followed by England's Iain Pyman, Italy's Ignacio Garrido and Cevaer a shot back.

BBC: SPORT | Golf | Colsaerts takes Irish Open lead