Australia's Basic takes early lead in Volvo Masters

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BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) -- Just four days after fearing his next Asian Tour appearance would be in qualifying school, Australia's Neven Basic fired a 6-under 66 on Thursday to take a two-stroke lead in the season-ending Volvo Masters.

The tournament is reserved for the top 65 players on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and when Basic missed the cut at last week's Cambodian Open while sitting at 65th on the prizemoney list, a Bangkok appearance was in severe jeopardy and a trip to Q-school loomed in order to get a 2009 card.

However his rivals failed to overhaul him in Cambodia, and he finished Thursday's first round two shots clear of Australian compatriot Adam Blyth and Taiwan's Lin Wentang, who both had 68s.

"It was a bit stressful in Cambodia and it is good to be able to go out and just play golf here," Basic said. "I just sat in my hotel room over the weekend and watched the live scores on the internet. It was quite stressful but I'm relieved now.

Basic fired six birdies in a flawless round at the Thai Country Club as he pursues his first Asian Tour title.

"I got into contention through two rounds at four or five events over the past year and a half and I'm going to take those experiences with me," Basic said. "I just need to relax and play. If it happens, it happens. You can't force it to happen as it will normally end up in disaster."

Lin, ranked second on the Order of Merit, has two goals this week: win the Volvo Masters and move from 51st in the world rankings to inside the top 50 -- a position that brings with it an invitation to next year's U.S. Masters.

"I'm feeling good," Lin said after a bogey-free round. "I had four lip-outs for birdies but it was still a good round.

"Getting into the top-50 is in my mind. I am thinking about it, but I have to keep my tempo on the golf course."

Blyth too had four birdies and no bogeys as he chases a breakthrough title.

"It's just a matter of time," Blyth said. "You just have to wait for it to be yours. I'm playing good enough and we'll see at the end of the week if I'm good enough."

It was a disappointing opening day for the pre-tournament favorites. Money list leader Jeev Milkha Singh of India had a 76, defending champion Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand had 74 in front of his home fans, while compatriot Thongchai Jaidee could not find the form that gave him victories in the Vietnam Masters and Cambodian Open leading into this event, finishing with a 73.