Mardan is joint-leader after a 65

A three-putt on the par-four 16th hole cost Mardan Mamat the sole lead on the opening day of the US$1 million ($1.27m) Resorts World Manila Masters yesterday.

But the Singaporean No. 1 was realistic about that miss, saying "in golf, you win some, you lose some".

In fact, for the joint-leader (with Japan's Daisuke Kataoka) on seven-under 65, it was a case of "you win many, you lose one".

That missed putt from six feet was the only blemish on an immaculate card, where Mardan bagged eight birdies, four on each nine.

"My putting was generally good, I had 28 putts. But where I scored was in my approach shots that gave me the birdie chances," said Mardan, who hit the sack three hours after his round ended at 4.15pm as he has an early tee-off this morning.

ONLY FLAW

He hit all but one green in regulation, the only flaw coming on the par-three 13th, where his tee-shot went slightly right. However, he chipped close and saved par.

The 47-year-old Mardan, a three-time Asian Tour winner, was rock solid at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

Hounded by thoughts of retaining his Asian Tour card (he lies 74th on the Order of Merit and only the top 60 gain automatic entry to the Tour's events), Mardan managed to keep his calm and composure.

And once he birdied the second, fifth, sixth and seventh holes, he was encouraged to maintain his momentum on a windy afternoon in Manila.

"I hit the ball solid from tee to green and managed to hole some putts. It wasn't easy out there, especially the front nine when it was really windy," added Mardan.

"I'm trying not to think about keeping my card. I want to enjoy my golf.

"It's always nice to come back to the Philippines, especially since I won the Philippine Open two years back. I've got nice memories here."

Kataoka, 26, needed only 25 putts in his seven-birdie round as he put himself in contention for a maiden Asian Tour victory in what is the richest golf tournament in the Philippines.

Reigning Asian Tour No. 1 Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and seasoned Malaysian campaigner Danny Chia carded 66s to trail by one.

Defending champion Liang Wenchong of China birdied two of his last three holes to salvage a 71, while last year's runner-up Prom Meesawat of Thailand, the highest-ranked player in the field, settled for a 73.

LEADERBOARD

65: Mardan Mamat, Daisuke Kataoka.

66: Danny Chia, Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

67: Terry Pilkadaris, Juvic Pagunsan, Anthony Kang, Sam Brazel, Hung Chien-yao.

68: Wang Jeung Hun, Lu Wen-teh, Paul Peterson, Antonio Lascuna, Himmat Rai.

Selected

70: Unho Park. 71: Scott Barr. 72: Lam Chih Bing. 76: Choo Tze Huang.