Madalitso Muthiya has made an impressive start at the 2017 Mopani/Redpath Zambia Golf Open at Nkana Golf Club in Kitwe.

The 2006 runner-up posted a first round score of 2-Under 70 to equal his best start since 2012 in Lusaka when he ultimately finished in 28th at par on 292.

Muthiya, who is 15th, finished six shots behind leader Oliver Bekker of South Africa who shot 8-Under 64 to displace compatriot Ockie Strydom who was the lunchtime leader and is one shot behind.

Meanwhile, amateur Gabriel Chibale was the second best local performer on day one and finished one shot behind Muthiya in 26th place.

However, there was carnage for the other local prospects with Patrick Mwendapole and Dayne Moore in a battle to make the cut on Friday.

Mwendapole and Moore posted 7 over and 9 over respectively.