Ricky BarnesStanley Chou
Kuala Lumpur - American Ricky Barnes sank eight birdies in a flawless opening round to take a one-shot lead in the Asia Pacific Classic on Thursday.
The 29-year-old's round of 63 put him ahead of compatriot Ryan Moore, who also turned in a bogey-free performance in the $6 million PGA Tour co-sanctioned event.
World number eight Luke Donald of Britain and South African Ernie Els carded four-under-par 67s to share 10th place with four others.
Barnes, who won the Eisenhower Trophy with the United States team here in 2002, hit 17 greens in regulation and putted well at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
"I got off to a good start by making some good swings and had a 10-foot look at eagle on three which kind of got my round started," Barnes said.
It felt kind of hot after nine holes, but I was prepared for the weather. I drank a lot of water before I went out and that helped keep up the energy levels."
Ryan Moore (64) trails by one stroke, while Canadian Open winner Carl Pettersson (65) was two back along with Brian Davis and Charlie Wi.
Moore, who arrived in Malaysia on Friday to acclimatize to the time change and humid weather, had seven birdies. He has earned more than $2 million this season on the PGA Tour but has no victories.
"For me, this is my last chance to get a win and finish off the year the way I want to," the American said. "It was a good season. I feel like it was better than last year, and last year I had a win. That's what I'm coming here for. It's my last tournament of the year."
Thai veteran Thongchai Jaidee, compatriot Parija Junhasavasdikul and Singapore's Mardan Mamat proved Asia's mettle against the quality field by hitting credible 66s to be three off the pace. The small field means there will be no halfway cut and the up-and-coming Parija, who made his breakthrough with a recent maiden Asian Tour victory in Taiwan, said he was making the most of the experience.
"I'll let my skill do the talking," said . These guys are my idols. I'm still in the small league and they are in the big league. I hope I can step up soon."
The six million dollar event features only the leading 25 golfers from the PGA Tour's FedExCup standings, along with the top 10 players from the Asian Tour and five sponsor exemptions.