Canizares takes 1-stroke lead on Austrian Open opening day

Alejandro Canizares defied chilly and windy conditions to shoot a 5-under 67 Thursday for a one-stroke lead after the opening day of the Austrian Open.

The Spaniard carded an eagle and four birdies to sit in front of a quartet of players, which included former No. 1 Martin Kaymer and John Catlin, a two-time winner in 2020.

"It was tough to keep focused, it was so cold," Canizares said. "It's tough to feel the hands and that's very important."

Canizares' only setback was a bogey on the par-four 12th.

"I putted very nicely, missed a short one when I made the bogey," he said.

Apart from Kaymer and Catlin, Rikard Karlsberg and Jacques Kruyswijk also finished their opening round on 68.

The…