Italy's Molinari takes lead at Portugal Masters with 63

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VILAMOURA, Portugal (AP) -- Francesco Molinari fired an eagle and eight birdies Thursday to take a 2-shot opening round lead at the Portugal Masters.

Despite one bogey, the Italian matched his lowest ever score on the European Tour with a 9-under 63.

The last time Molinari scored that well was at the Irish Open five months ago. He was disqualified in the second round of that tournament for signing for the wrong score.

Three players shared second place -- Alastair Forsyth, Justin Rose and Charl Schwartzel.

Six players were on 66, including Lee Westwood.

Colin Montgomerie showed a return to form by making birdies on four of his first six holes to finish with a 68. The European Ryder Cup captain has failed to finish in the top 10 this year.

Rory McIlroy, the current European Tour money leader, carded a 69 as did Padraig Harrington who made five birdies before bogeys at the 17th and 18th.