UPDATE 1-Golf-Finch and Lucquin share lead in Cologne

By Norman Dabell

COLOGNE, Germany, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Briton Richard Finch and Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin carded six-under 66s to share the lead after the first round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship on Thursday.

Swede Robert Karlsson was a stroke behind, faring the best of the four European Ryder Cup team members taking part in the event in Germany ahead of next week's match against the U.S. in Valhalla, Kentucky.

Lucquin has the chance of rare back-to-back victories, having beaten British teenager Rory McIlroy last week in Switzerland in a European Masters playoff to win his maiden title.

"It's unbelievable, it's like a dream," the Frenchman told reporters.

"Maybe I missed just one shot today. I don't want to put pressure on myself by thinking about winning again. We'll see what happens at the end of the week."

Finch's life has dramatically improved from almost losing his card last year to setting up a chance of a third title this season following wins in the New Zealand Open and Irish Open.

Another Briton, Ross Fisher, kept up the form that saw him nearly claim a Ryder Cup place as he carded a 68 for fourth.