Martin Kaymer continued his impressive form to stay out in front at the BMW International Open on Friday.
Kaymer got off to a shaky start, making two birdies and two bogeys to remain even par through the first four holes.
The German then went up a gear on the back nine, making five birdies, including a chip in from the bunker on 12 and a birdie on the final hole, on his way to carding a 66 and to take his overall score to 11 under.
South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who is yet to win a European Tour event, shot a tournament-low 65 to sit 9 under par and two shots off the lead.
Bezuidenhout first had to play four holes to complete a first-round 70 due to heavy rain delaying play on Day 1.
Finland's Kim Koivu trails behind in third, making seven birdies to take his overall score to 8 under.
England's Matthew Fitzpatrick sailed his way back into contention following a disappointing opening round of 1 over. Fitzpatrick got off to a fast start, making birdies at five of the first nine holes to end the day six shots off the lead.
Italy's Edoardo Molinari shot a 67 to sit 5 under par along with local favourite Max Schmitt, England's Lee Westwood and four other players.