Zanotti leads on home soil

Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti overcame windy conditions to shoot a four under par 67 and claim the outright lead after the opening round of the Stella Artois - Tigo Carlos Franco Invitational.

Winner of the TLA-ECT co-sanctioned Mexico Open in 2006 and current holder of the 93rd spot on The European Tour’s Race to Dubai, the 28 year old carded five birdies and only one bogey to set the pace at the Carlos Franco Country & Golf Club.

That left Zanotti one clear of Argentina’s Manuel García, who posted a 68 late in the afternoon to secure second.

Paraguay’s Ramón Franco joins Argentina’s Sergio Acevedo and Armando Zarlenga in a tie for third a shot further back.

Coming from a third place finish at the Bankia Madrid Masters three week ago, Argentine veteran César Monasterio trails the leader by four in a tie for twelfth.

Tournament host and four-time US PGA Tour champion Carlos Franco posted a 72 to begin in a tie for the nineteenth spot alongside Argentina’s Julio Zapata.