Ashun Wu rediscovered his best form in spectacular fashion, firing a flawless 7-under-par 63 to seize a one-shot lead after the opening round of the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

The 41-year-old Chinese star made seven birdies on the par-70 Severiano Ballesteros Course to match his lowest round on the DP World Tour in almost four years.

Wu started his birdie run at the second hole before closing the front nine with a hat-trick of birdies. After a stretch of pars to begin the back nine, he regained momentum with a spectacular 53-foot birdie putt on the par-3 13th, followed by birdies on the 14th and 15th holes.

He then safely parred his way home to complete a bogey-free round.

The impressive start comes at an important time for Wu. He entered the tournament 127th in the Race to Dubai, knowing he needs a strong finish to climb into the top 100 and retain his playing privileges for the 2027 season.

Wu, a five-time DP World Tour winner, said he worked extensively on his swing with his coach in the United States during the recent break.

“I feel a lot better with my swing,” Wu said, adding that he is looking forward to the next couple of rounds.

Defending champion Thriston Lawrence leads a five-man group one shot behind Wu after carding a bogey-free 64. The South African made six birdies on his front nine but was unable to add another birdie on the back nine.

Lawrence is chasing history this week. Victory would make him the first player since Severiano Ballesteros to win the tournament three times since it became part of the DP World Tour’s inaugural season in 1972.

Also at 6-under are Angel Ayora, Shubhankar Sharma, Nicolai von Dellingshausen and Todd Clements.

Ayora, one of the game’s emerging talents, posted a bogey-free 64, while Sharma also enjoyed a clean round after finding his rhythm in excellent weather conditions.

Von Dellingshausen overcame a bogey on his opening hole and responded with five birdies and an eagle on the 14th. Clements also made an eagle at the 14th, along with six birdies and two bogeys.

Among the players at 5-under 65 are Eugenio Chacarra, Harry Hall, Jack Yule, Jeremy Paul and Nicklas Lemke.

With the leaderboard packed near the top, Wu will take a narrow advantage into the second round as he looks to build on one of his best performances in years.