DENMARK'S Thomas Bj-orn was a shock withdrawal from the opening round of the Belgacom Open Golf Championship being played in sunny conditions on the Royal Zoute course at Knokke in Belgium today.

Bjorn, winner of the recent BMW International and currently lying fourth on the Volvo Order of Merit, withdrew after three holes with a foot injury.

Bjorn indicated he has had an inflammation of his left foot for a number of days. He was having the foot packed in ice and will rest before hopefully returning for next week's German Masters in Cologne.

England's former two-time Ryder Cup player, David Gilford, birdied the first three holes to share the lead with Argentina's Jose Coceres, who moved to three under par after six holes.

Coceres, winner of the Dubai Classic earlier this year and the recently turned 35-year-old Gilford, lead Ireland's Padraig Harrington, Scotland's Stephen Gallacher and Sweden's Anders Forsbrand by one stroke.

Harrington birdied his first and third holes whilst Gallacher birdied his second and third holes. Forsbrand birdied his first two holes.

Gilford, who was a member of the 1995 European winning side, missed the earlier part of this season after contracting a virus whilst practising in Dubai.

The Crewe golfer has six European Tour victories to his credit but has not won since clinching the 1994 European Open.

Worcestershire's John Bickerton made an encouraging start and was one under par after his first six holes.

Hereford's David Park and Jeremy Robinson were among the tournament's later starters.