Jeev Milkha Singh [Images] overcame a disastrous third shot on the par-five last hole to return a brilliant six-under 66 in the first round, which powered the Indian to joint lead with Australia's Richard Green at the Irish Open.

Singh was six-under playing his last hole of the day, but looked unlikely to finish as the leader when he crashed his third shot into the green-side bushes.

However, a perfect chip helped the Indian to finish off well.

"I was just trying to chip it out from there and it came out perfect. Missed the hole and went to about 40 feet away. I was happy with that.

"I said okay, I know I can make a six, but when I rolled that put, I know it looked pretty good, like it was going in, and it did. And that's the story of the day really -- I made a lot of great ups and downs today," Singh said.

Earlier, Singh began well with a birdie on the very first hole and followed it up with another one on the fifth. Then he eagled the seventh for a blemish free front nine.

The Chandigarh golfer continued his good form on the back-nine as well fired consecutive birdies on the 15th and 16th holes.