Niklas Lemke and Adria Arnaus carded rounds of six-under par to lead the way on day one of the season-ending Ras Al Khaimah Challenge Tour Grand Final at Al Hamra Golf Club.

Swede Lemke, who currently sits in 37th place in the rainkings, came flying out of the blocks in round one as he made the turn in just 31 after picking up his first shot of the day of the par 5 third hole before sensationally making four consecutive birdies from the fifth to eighth.

The 34-year-old backed up his remarkable front nine with one birdie and eights pars on the back nine to sign for a 66 and put him in the hunt for one of the 15 coveted European Tour cards available to the top-15 on the Road to Ras Al Khaimah Rankings following the tournament.

“It was pretty solid round,” said Lemke. “My aim is to get to the top-15 and to do so I have to win the tournament or claim the runner-up spot. It’s good to know exactly what I need to do in order to achieve my goal.”

Spaniard Arnaus, who has already confirmed his European Tour playing privileges for next season, struck five birdies and a stunning eagle on the par 5 14th to sign for a 66 in perfect conditions in the northern emirate.

“We had a game plan from the off and we put that into place today,” said Arnaus. “I didn’t start the round in great form and wasn’t hitting it that well but I took advantage of my opportunities as my game grew throughout the round.”