Golf story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:30:02 GMT



Martin Kaymer braved the Parisian heat and a blistered foot to record a 62 on the first day of the French Open.The 24-year-old German finished the day nine under par - a three-stroke lead over John Bickerton, Thongchai Jaidee, Rafa Echenique, Peter Hanson and Scott Strange.



"I've been missing a lot of short putts, but everything came together and I hope it continues," he said.



"The foot's still hurting, but I will survive. Yesterday when I was practising it was unbelievable pain, but now I don't worry about it."



Padraig Harrington, looking for his first top ten finish since January, finished one over par, 10 shots off the pace, but remained positive.



"Three three-putts really hurt badly, but I was encouraged by the way I played - very encouraged," said the Irishman.