The Englishman made seven birdies and a 30-foot eagle in a bogey-free round on a low-scoring opening day on Thursday in the DP World Tour event at the Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.

"I'm really happy with the way I played," Smith said.

"I've been under the weather all week, not been feeling my best. They say beware the injured golfer. Considering my prep hasn't been the best, I'm over the moon with it."

Smith is yet to win this season but has two runner-up finishes.

''A win is the only thing missing this year," the 29-year-old said.

"I've been close a couple of times. Overall, it's been a great year and I'm over the moon with it already. Just to top it off with a win would be amazing."

Joost Luiten and Jeff Winther each shot eight-birdie, no-bogey 63s to sit tied for second place, with Robin Roussel, Gavin Green and Joakim Lagergren another shot back in a tie for fourth.

On a day of low scoring, there was a bright start from Australia's Jason Scrivener, who shot a 66 to join a host of others in joint-14th on five-under, while veteran Scott Hend was just a shot further back.