European Tour/Russian Open:Gary Murphy fired a flawless, five-under-par 67 to share third place after the first round of the Russian Open in Moscow.

The Irishman is just two shots behind Sweden's Christian Nilsson at Le Meridien Moscow Country Club.

Nilsson (28), produced seven birdies in his round of 65, having started on the back nine, to lead Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gonnet by one shot.

Murphy is joint third a shot back with England's Sam Little.

Nilsson said: "I am very pleased with that.

"I hit most of the greens and fairways and played very steadily. I made a few putts as well so it was a great round for me.

"I've played all right recently and had a few good starts with a few good first rounds but I fell back a couple of times.

"But it feels all right at the moment, I made a few putts, which has been my problem."

Of the other Irish, Peter Lawrie had two birdies and one bogey in his 71, but David Higgins had a day to forget after signing for a nine-over-par 81.

Scot Richie Ramsay's first round as a professional proved profitable as he shot a two-under-par 70 to move into a share of 13th alongside several fellow Britons including Englishman Zane Scotland.

The 24-year-old from Aberdeen last week announced he was quitting as an amateur but he showed he was not overawed by the professional ranks, finishing his round five shots behind leader Nilsson.

Starting at the 10th Ramsay, who 12 months ago became the first British player since 1911 to win the US amateur title, opened with seven straight pars before a birdie at the 547-yard 17th took him to the turn in 35.

He immediately dropped a shot at the par-four first but further birdies at the long fifth and 417-yard seventh saw him close with a 70.