French pair lead in Biarritz

Kirsty Taylor is five shots behind the leaders on 68

Jehanne Jail and Sophie Giquel took a surprise lead in the first round of the Biarritz Open after registering course record seven-under-par 63s.

The French pair have a two-shot advantage over Raquel Carriedo, who shot a five-under-par 65.

Jail, who has never finished higher than 45th in two years on tour, is 105th on the Order of Merit.

It's been an unbelievable year and it would be fantastic to win again

Raquel Carriedo

She needs a good performance in Biarritz to move into the top 90 to secure her Tour card for next year.

Countryman Giquel was revelling in her first-ever appearance in a professional tournament.

"It was a terrific experience, such a different atmosphere from amateur tournaments," she said.

Spaniard Carriedo, who has already won the Order of Merit, is hoping to claim her fourth tournament victory this season.

"I haven't played for three weeks, so I didn't go out feeling very confident," said the 30-year-old Solheim Cup player, who has the Taiwan, Compaq and Irish Opens under her belt.

"But it's been an unbelievable year and it would be fantastic to win again and gain another confidence boost before I go to the final US Tour qualifying school next month."

Australia's Loraine Lambert is one shot behind Carriedo while Kirsty Taylor was the best of the British golfers with a first round score of 68.

Wales' Becky Morgan scored 70 to stay in contention with the leaders.