German Jeremy Paul in the lead after the first day of the 2016 European Amateur Championship (EAC).

Paul completed his round in 66 strokes (-6) and was followed closely by world number nine amateur, Adrian Meronk from Poland, Norwegian Viktor Hovland, Englishmen Gian-Marco Petrozza and Daniel Brown and Spaniard Adria Arnaus, all of whom played the course in 67 strokes.

"I am very pleased with the result of my first day," said leader Paul. "Actually, it was not at all easy, because it was quite windy," said the student who is currently studying Business Administration in the United States at the University of Colorado. Paul has not previously taken part in European Championships because of his studies. "Here the competition is tough, so that makes me especially proud of the decent start," he said. Germany is also represented by Jeremy's twin brother Yannik, who finished with a round of 77 (+5).

Defending champion Stefano Mazzoli (ITA) had a tough start with an opening round of three-over-par. 

Day one was disrupted by thunder and heavy rain and play was suspended for nearly two hours.