Finland's Miko Ilonen was the early pacemaker as the European PGA Championship started at Wentworth, Surrey, England on Thursday.

Ilonen shot a five-under par 67, finishing with three birdies in his last five holes, to go into a two-shot lead over Italy's Matteo Manassero who was round in 69.

Illonen was second in the China Open at the start of the month but in 10 visits to Wentworth had a best finish of 15th.

The 33-year-old said, "It has not been the best of places for me but I have always enjoyed coming over here - hopefully I can pull together some scores this week."

But Rory McIlroy was finding it a struggle despite his pre-tournament assertions that rumors of his imminent switch of management company would not hinder his game.

The Northern Irishman finished two over par after making five bogeys in six holes from the 14th while his playing partner Graeme McDowell handed in the same score of 74.

Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez, the winner in 2008, came back in 40 to finish four over par.

Elsewhere former world No.1 Martin Kaymer finished with a 70, two under par alongside Ireland's Shane Lowry and England's Oliver Fisher.

McIlroy's Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose had a steady opening day finishing on level par while defending champion Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and South Africa's Ernie Els were among the later starters.