Friday, October 6 2006 15:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Taipei: Australia's Kane Webber fired a five-under-par 67 for a one-stroke lead in the first round of the 300,000 US dollar Taiwan Open on Thursday. Webber, playing in his maiden season on the Asian Tour, enjoyed a blemish free round under calm conditions for a one-stroke lead over local favourite and former winner Tsai Chi-huang and Sweden's Olle Nordberg at the Sunrise Golf and Country Club.

Local amateur Chen Ming-hsin carded four birdies against a lone bogey for a 69 and was tied in fourth spot alongside compatriots Lin Keng-chi and Lu Wen-der, Filipino Angelo Que, Thai youngster Prom Meesawat, Australian duo Unho Park and Richard Moir and Jochen Luprian of Germany.

The 26-year-old Webber, who won the Macau Open in May, conquered the greens with three birdies on the sixth, seventh and ninth holes.

After struggling to save par at the 13th hole, Webber, who turned pro in 2004, fired a fourth birdie at the 15th and then took a narrow one-stroke lead over the field with a final three foot birdie putt at the 18th.

"It worked out well for me today as I was really driving it solid off the tee and because there was hardly any wind until about the 13th hole. I really enjoyed myself out there," Webber said.

Tsai, who won the Taiwan Open in 1997, also enjoyed a superb start with an eagle at the par five sixth hole followed by a birdie at the seventh and ninth.

On the back nine, Tsai suffered a double bogey at the 12th but birdied the following hole. After a stumble with a bogey on the 15th, Tsai leaped to lone second spot with two consecutive birdies at the final two holes.

"The wind was not very strong today and I am happy with the course as it suits my game. The greens are in great shape and I feel really good overall," said Tsai.

Nordberg enjoyed a steady run as he nailed an eagle at the par four 14th together with three birdies against a bogey.

Prom, who is the highest ranked player in the field, shot four birdies as he dropped his only shot at the 11th hole.

Defending champion Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand, the current Order of Merit winner, was pleased with his opening round after firing a 70 in joint 12th place.

"I knew that the wind had picked in the afternoon, so two under is a good score. This course is challenging and I will hope to improve my round tomorrow," said Thaworn.