Making only his ninth European Tour appearance, the 23-year-old showed no signs of nerves, finishing two shots ahead of compatriot Matt Wallace and Marcus Kinhult of Sweden at Hillside Golf Club on Merseyside.

Queenslander Scott Hend shares 10th place in a group of 11 players who shot four-under 68, while compatriot Dimi Papadatos is a shot further back on three under at the European tour event.

LEADERBOARD

On a day of low scoring, Lee Westwood birdied six of the first seven holes before having to settle for a 66 matched by Richie Ramsay, Robert Karlsson and Thomas Detry, while defending champion Eddie Pepperell shot two under.

Five birdies on the front nine and one immediately after the turn helped tournament invitee Jordan surge ahead of the pack and he clinched his ninth birdie with an excellent approach into the 15th.