Edinburgh’s David Drysdale is just two shots off the lead after a stunning opening round at the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Germany.

The 34-year-old carded a first round 67 in Cologne and now sits just behind leader Soren Hansen from Denmark and England’s Chris Woods.

One shot further back is former Open Champion Paul Lawrie - whose return to form continues improve – and he carded 68.

“I played very solidly again and my ball-striking was similar to Gleneagles,” said Lawrie.

“But I just couldn’t get the ball in the hole over the first eight, despite having four or five good birdie chances.”