South African Darren Fichardt holds a one-stroke lead after the first round of the European Tour&aposs inaugural Tshwane Open in Centurion. The 37-year-old, who claimed the Africa Open in East London on February 17, continued his fine form with a seven-under-par 65 at the Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate to lead from Sweden&aposs Bjorn Akesson. Starting on the back nine, Fichardt reached the turn in just 31 after birdies at 10, 13, 15, 16 and 17. He followed that effort with three more birdies on the front nine before his lone bogey for the day at the seventh. Despite the late blemish, the four-time European Tour winner was pleased with his opening round. “The swing is good and I&aposm putting well,” he said. “This golf course is awesome – it&aposs very fair. The greens are very soft, so you&aposre able to attack the flags. I&aposm happy with seven under to start off with.” Behind Akesson lies a chasing pack of six men on five under, made up of South Africans Jean Hugo and Charl Coetzee, Englishmen David Howell and Gary Lockerbie, Chile&aposs Mark Tullo and Indian Jeev Milkha Singh. English duo Danny Willett and David Horsey headline a group of 16 men in a tie for ninth place on four under. Scott Arnold is the best of the Aussies, part of that group locked on four under, while Victorian Daniel Gaunt is even with the card.