MANILA (AFP) - Golfers from Thailand, India, Chinese Taipei and the United States were in a five-way tie in the opening round at the Manila Masters golf tournament on Thursday.

Thailand's Danthai Boonma and Rattanon Wannasrichan, India's Jyoti Randhawa, Taiwanese Lin Wen-tang and American Johannes Veerman all had matching eight-under 64s at the top of the leader board at the par-72 Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

Singapore's top golfer Mardan Mamat, the champion two years ago, was tied for 18th on 67 after a round including seven birdies and two bogeys. Compatriots Quincy Quek and Koh Deng Shan also had decent outings with 68s to share 26th spot.

Lin, 42, had a lucky eagle on his closing 18th hole that sent him into the tie for the lead after hitting four birdies in his opening five holes.

"It was a good day and I came into this round feeling very good about my game. There was not much wind in the morning and that really helped," the six-time Asian Tour winner said.

The other leaders also credited the benign conditions for their remarkable performances.

"There was no wind today so it can get fairly easy on this golf course when there's no wind. This golf course seems to set itself up nicely for my style of play so that helps a bit," said Randhawa, 44, who was Asia's No. 1 in 2002.

Among a group of five on 65 was Australian Adam Groom.

Filipinos Rufino Bayron and Clyde Mondilla were tied with five other golfers on 66.