Australia&aposs Stacey Keating opened with an eight-under 62 to lead by four strokes at the Ladies Open de France on Thursday. Keating, who claimed her first Ladies European Tour title at the Tenerife Open de Espana Femenino two weeks ago, carded nine birdies in a career-best performance at the Chantaco Golf Club. “I&aposve been playing well the last few weeks obviously, but it&aposs nice to put it all together in one round,” Keating said. “I&aposm feeling very confident about my game right now and I&aposm happy where I am.” Spaniard Azahara Munoz, Lydia Hall of Wales and French duo Virginie Lagoutte-Clement and Sophie Giquel-Bettan are tied for second on four under. Munoz made a slow start in Aquitaine but picked up three shots on the last four holes. “I finished with three birdies in a row – 15, 16, 17 – so that kind of leaves a sweet taste in my mouth,” she said. “I played kind of solid, but didn&apost hit many good shots. I didn&apost make many putts at the beginning but at the end I started rolling the ball much better.” Italy&aposs Diana Luna, Anais Maggetti of Switzerland, Englishwoman Florentyna Parker and local hope Alexandra Vilatte are equal third on three under. Retired former world number one Lorena Ochoa, playing at the request of the sponsor, is in a tie for 17th after shooting a one-under 69. Rebecca Artis is the next best Australian in equal 25th at even par, while Sarah Kemp and Nikki Garrett are tied for 34th at one over.