Mickelson two shots behind leaders

SINGAPORE -- Phil Mickelson shot five birdies in a three-under-par 68 to leave himself within two shots of the leaders after the first round of the Singapore Open.

The world number two, making a rare venture onto the Asian circuit, trailed leading trio Gavin Flint, Kane Webber and Jin Park.

Filipino Angelo Que was in second place on 67, with KJ Choi alongside Mickelson.

Defending champion Adam Scott, back in action after a month off, opened with a bogey but finished with a 70, which was matched by Vijay Singh.

Ernie Els, who won the World Match Play championships at Wentworth last month, struggled to a 72 after suffering a stomach upset on Wednesday.

Els, leading the European Order of Merit, had to miss the Volvo Masters because it clashed with the Singapore tournament, leaving his number one spot in jeopardy.

US Open champion Angel Cabrera shot par 71.

Mickelson, whose only blemishes were a double bogey on the third when he went into the trees, and a bogey on the fifth, was impressed by the "immaculate" Serapong course on Sentosa island but said his driving let him down.

"I didn't expect the course to be that difficult. It is very tough and it is not easy to make birdies," said the three-time Major winner.

"I scored well and got the ball into the hole well and hit some good iron shots, but my driving has been terrible and the worst since I've been working with (coach) Butch Harmon.

"If I can get my driver and three wood turned around, I will be able to have a good remaining three days."

Australian Flint has only won one tournament before -- the New South Wales PGA in 2005 -- and his fellow countryman Webber's solitary trophy was the Macau Open last year. American Park has yet to see his name on a trophy.

"It's definitely great to have the opportunity to compare myself against some of the best players in the world," said Flint.

"At the moment it feels good to be leading but it's still early days. It's just one step at a time."

Scott, going for an historic treble in Singapore believes that 12 under par could be enough to win.

"I was actually quite pleased with my round. It was pretty solid although I left a couple of birdies out there," he said.

"If you miss certain shots here you can get in pretty awkward positions and it can be quite a strain to make pars.

Asian number one Liang Wen-chong had a disappointing 75 while local hope Mardan Mamat suffered the embarrassment of disqualification after signing for a 68, after shooting 69. E-mail to a friend