Singh and Green share early first-round Irish Open lead

By Bernie McGuire

ADARE, Ireland (Reuters) - India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Australian Richard Green shared the lead midway through the opening round of the Irish Open at Adare Manor on Thursday.

The duo took full advantage of the superb scoring conditions in carding six-under-par 66s to finish two strokes clear of Sweden's Johan Edfors.

Singh produced a bogey-free round that included a 16th hole eagle and four other birdies while Green, who is returning to competition after a month's break, recorded seven birdies and one bogey.

However, there was some drama for the Chandigarh-born Singh at his final hole when he had to seek a ruling after finding his third shot in trees and close to TV cables.

After advice not to break any branches in playing his shot, Singh stepped gingerly towards his ball with hands in pockets before punching his fourth shot out to 40 feet past the pin but then holing his par putt.

"I knew I could make a six, but it was nice to roll in the par putt," said Singh, chasing a first win in Europe since capturing two events in 2006 including the prize Volvo Masters in Spain.

"I putted well today but overall it was mixture of good and bad and it all equalled out really well."

Green had not competed since missing the cut in last month's U.S. Masters and was delighted with his efforts, particularly after messing up at the final hole in last year's Irish Open that cost him a share of third place.