VERSAILLES, France -- John Bickerton shot an 8-under 63 Thursday to take a two-stroke lead over Michael Campbell in the first round of the French Open.

The 36-year-old Englishman equaled his career-best round at the 2004 Wales Open.

Sweden's Joakim Backstrom stands third with a 66 and seven players are at 4 under.

England's David Howell, a two-time winner in Europe this season and current money leader, had a quadruple bogey at his final hole to finish with a 78.

Bickerton began his round with three birdies starting on the second hole and then added another three straight from the 12th hole before closing with birdies on the last two holes.

Campbell, the 2005 U.S. Open champion, returned to competition after a week's break to shoot a 65.

Spain's Seve Ballesteros, in his first European Tour event in six months, struggled with an 81.

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