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Muntz leads as Hansen and Rose close in

  • Story Highlights
  • Dutchman Rolf Muntz leads the way after the opening round of the KLM Open
  • Muntz records a six-under-par round of 64 to head the field by a single stroke
  • Soren Hansen and Justin Rose move closer to qualifying for the Ryder Cup
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(CNN) -- Denmark's Soren Hansen and Englishman Justin Rose took giant steps towards Ryder Cup qualification after Thursday's first round of the KLM Open in Zandvoort led by Dutchman Rolf Muntz.

Dutchman Muntz leads the way after carding an opening round 64 in the KLM Open.

Hansen occupies 10th spot in the European Ryder Cup standings, just 268 euros ahead of Germany's Martin Kaymer, who is two-over-par after a 72, with 10 days to go until the August 31 deadline for selection.

Rose, who shot a 67, lies eighth in the Ryder Cup table and needs to avoid three players going past him by the end of next week.

The Europeans will be bidding for a record fourth straight victory over the Americans at Valhalla in Kentucky from September 19 to 21.

Muntz, however, was the star of the opening round at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club with a six-under-par 64, leading by one from Hansen and Bickerton, and by two strokes from Sweden's Alexander Noren.

For Denmark's Hansen, who shot a brilliant 65, it could mean the end of a mini-slump. In his last four events, his best position has been a tie for 64th at the British Open.

Hansen said: "I actually started thinking about it (making Europe's Ryder Cup team) around The Open but then I wasn't playing great and it's not good to think about that when you are not playing well. I really want to make the team, especially after how the last year and a half has gone."

World Number 12 Rose had a bogey-free 67 and admitted he had barely slept the night before. "Now I'm looking forward to an afternoon nap," said Rose, joint ninth at the U.S. PGA Championship two weeks ago.

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