Tiger Woods birdied three of the last four holes to haul himself back into contention for the CIMB Classic at The Mines in Malaysia today.
Fellow American Troy Matteson leads by one after an opening eight under par 63 - he birdied all the final four - while Woods is in a tie for seventh three strokes back.
The world number two, chasing a fourth victory of the season, stuttered with back-to-back bogeys at the end of the outward half, but came home in a five under 31.
Matteson, twice a winner in his PGA Tour career, will head into the second round a stroke ahead of compatriots Jeff Overton, Brian Harman and Robert Garrigus.
Defending champion Bo Van Pelt, winner of the Perth International last Sunday, managed only a one under 70 and is down in joint 30th place in the 48-strong field.
Scotland's Martin Laird hit back from an opening bogey to return a three under 68.
