Three former British amateur champions led the way going into the second round of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland.

Only one of them is British.

Seventeen-year-old Matteo Manassero, just four months into his professional career and only a year on from his amateur triumph, set the pace on the opening day with a seven-under-par 64.

But right on the Italian youngster's heels were Finn Mikko Ilonen, winner of the British title 10 years ago, and England's Graeme Storm, whose victory came in 1999.

The 32-year-old has played over 230 European Tour events since then, but his only win remains the 2007 French Open and so far this season he has managed just the one top-10 finish.

"I've been playing well for a while, but getting frustrated because I've not had the results I warranted," said the Hartlepool golfer.

"That was the best putting round I've had all season, though, so long may it continue."

Manassero is playing on invitation and, being allowed just one more all year - it will be at the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland next month - is desperate to achieve the top-five finish which could spare him a visit to the qualifying school in November.

Winning on Sunday would make him the youngest champion in Tour history, but favourite for the title remains his fellow Italian Edoardo Molinari, who four days after winning in Scotland and being handed a Ryder Cup wild card opened with a five-under 66.

That was nine better than playing partner Greg Norman, finally back in action 12 months after shoulder surgery.

Australia's former world number one had hoped to be fit enough for July's Open at St Andrews, but withdrew a week before the championship.