Molinari, Morrison tied for lead at Singapore Open

Edoardo Molinari

SINGAPORE — Edoardo Molinari and James Morrison both shot 9-under 62 Thursday to share the lead after the first round of the Singapore Open.

The 30-year-old Molinari, who has won two European Tour events, had six birdies for a 29 on the final nine holes at the Sentosa Golf Club.

"My putting was excellent today," the Italian said. "I holed everything inside 10 feet."

Y.E. Yang (63) was in third, one stroke behind, while Japan's Daisuke Maruyama (64) was fourth. Four others were at 65. Graeme McDowell (68) was six strokes behind the leaders while Phil Mickelson (71) trailed by nine.

Mickelson said Singapore's hot and humid tropical weather may have helped fuel the day's low scores.

"I think when it's warm like this the ball flies straighter and it is easier to play," he said. "Your muscles feel loose and you swing it much freer and that should equate to lower scores."

The tournament, marking its 50th anniversary, is using both the Serapong course and the Tanjong course to accommodate 204 players.