Charl Schwartzel leads the Maybank Malaysian Open after round one, but his compatriot Louis Oosthuizen isn't far behind.
Charl Schwartzel (L) and Louis Oosthuizen shake hands on the 18th.
Schwartzel shot a sizzling eight-under-par 64 on Thursday, making nine birdies in all, to hold a one-shot lead over India's Jeev Milkha Singh at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
Singh, Asia's number one in 2006 and 2008, fired an equally impressive 65 which included one eagle and six birdies, while last week's Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen showed no ill effects of his long trip from the United States with a 66 for a share of third place with American Jason Knutzon and Jyoti Randhawa of India.
World number 12 Schwartzel, who finished tied 50th in his Masters defence last week, lighted up the West course with some brilliant shot-making and a hot putter that only required him to make 24 putts on the day.
"I played very well today. It has been some time coming now because I have been working really hard for the last couple of months and I haven't had anything happen for me. It could have been one or two lower as I missed a couple of chances towards the end there but I am happy with 64 - I haven't shot a number like that for a while," said the slender South African.
Playing alongside close friend Oosthuizen, Schwartzel turned in 33 before storming home with five more birdies.
"Louis and I got off to a good fast start at the beginning and it is always nice when there are a couple of you in the group playing well and pulling each other a long a bit. Louis is playing so well right that it is impressive to watch and helped me on," said Schwartzel, who is seeking an eighth European Tour victory.
Oosthuizen, the 2010 British Open champion, shrugged off the disappointment of losing in a play-off at the Masters as he charged his way into contention with one eagle and six birdies on his card.
"I had a good night's rest. This morning, I felt quite good. I knew the swing was still good. It was just adapting to the weather and the green speed. But I putted beautifully again today and hope to keep it going for the week."
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