Thomson, who equalled the course record at Green Eagle Golf Course in Winsen last month, carded an eight-under-par 64 to lead the way at Silkeborg Ry Golf Club.

The 22-year-old Englishman sank nine birdies to take a two-shot advantage as he battles to retain his playing privileges at 216th on the Race to Dubai.

“It’s fantastic to get off to a great start for a change,” Thomson said. “I have been playing some great golf recently but not scoring, so to get off to a low-scoring start today was great.”

In the race for the final automatic qualifying spot for the Ryder Cup team, English pair Matthew Fitzpatrick and Eddie Pepperell are both seeking a victory to potentially dislodge local hero Thorbjørn Olesen.

Olesen, who needs a top-seven finish to guarantee a place in Team Europe, opened with a 73 in the morning but remained in pole position as Fitzpatrick carded a 72 and Pepperell settled for 70.

In drizzly morning conditions, Olesen lost his ball on the fourth hole and made a double-bogey but recovered well with back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth.

“I didn’t play well today, didn’t have a tempo in my swing,” he said.

“I was a bit nervous on the first tee, but other than that I felt good out there. Had a few loose drives, so I’m going to work a bit on that and hopefully do better tomorrow because, like a said, there’s a lot of chances out there.”