Arnold Palmer Invitational: Rafa Cabrera-Bello leads the way after first round

The 34-year-old Spaniard made eight birdies on his way to a seven-under-par 65

The Spaniard started strongly at Bay Hill (Getty Images)

Rafa Cabrera-Bello leads the Arnold Palmer Invitational after the first round at Bay Hill.

The 34-year-old Spaniard made eight birdies on his way to a seven-under-par 65 and a two-shot lead over 2011 PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley.

Cabrera-Bello made a bright start with birdies on four of his first six holes. His lone bogey came at the 10th but he responded well with four more birdies down the back nine to get off to an impressive start in Orlando.

Bradley's 67 sees him on his own in second spot with a one-shot advantage over a host of players tied at four under, including Graeme McDowell and Phil Mickelson, who recovered from a double-bogey at the 10th to shoot 68.

Earlier in the day, Jason Day withdrew from the tournament because of a back injury. Tiger Woods also pulled out of the event a couple of days ago.