Sweden's Sjoholm takes early lead in Italian Open

FIANO, Italy (AP) -Joel Sjoholm of Sweden shot an 8-under 64 to take the clubhouse lead during the first round of the Italian Open on Thursday.

Sjoholm made eight birdies and no bogeys on the 7,282-yard Royal Park I Roveri course outside Turin. He is two shots ahead of five other players: English pair Richard McEvoy and Richard Bland, South Africa duo Garth Mulroy and Keith Horne, and Victor Dubuisson of France.

The 27-year-old Sjoholm's top career result also came on Italian soil, having finished third in last year's Sicilian Open.

Defending champion Robert Rock opened with a 70, while Ryder Cup-bound trio Francesco Molinari, Martin Kaymer and Nicolas Colsaerts are among the afternoon starters.