German rookie Florian Fritsch (68) is in contention in only his second Tour event after purposely staying away from the early part of the 2011 Race to Dubai Tour because of a fear of flying.

The 25-year old is just two strokes behind the leading trio of Swedish rookie Rickard Karlberg (67), Dutchman Maarten Lafeber (65) and Dane Jeppe Huldahl (66) who head the event by a stroke at eight under par.

Fritsch, 25 is a former amateur partner to World No. 1 Martin Kaymer but after earning his Tour card last November it was only last week in travelling to Sicily the Munich born golfer played his first event.

Germany's Florian Fritsch Soaring High In Spain

“It was tough throwing away a European Tour, so I was not going to do that but I have been dealing with my fear from every angle,” he said.

“I have been in cockpits flying with friends of mine. I have also been seeking professional help like psychologists, and my girlfriend Inga is now travelling with me so that helps having her on board.

“But when I start to worry on the plane she always looks at me and says ‘what are you worried about, as there’s nothing to worry about because it’s more dangerous driving in a car’.

“So as of now I will be playing solely in Europe and that’s why you didn’t see me in South Africa of the Middle East or India or any of the other Tour stops.

“Hopefully, I can overcome my fear of flying and go overseas again like I used to do all the time when I was in college in the States.”

Three other players – Japan’s Tetsuji Hiratsuka (67), Scotland’s Paul Lawrie (67) and England’s Jamie Elson (68) – are just ahead of Fritsch at seven under par.

Tetsuji Hiratsuka - Caddy Lost Everything In Japan Tsunami

And Hiratsuka has revealed he will dedicate a hopeful victory in Spain to his absent caddy who lost his house and all his possessions in the devestating tsunami earlier this month.