American Ricky Barnes rekindled his love-affair with Malaysia by snatching the first round lead with a barnstorming eight-under-par 63 in the inaugural US$6 million CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia on Thursday.

Ricky Barnes

The 29-year-old, who won the Eisenhower Trophy with the United States team here in 2002, produced a "stress free"round sprinkled with eight birdies at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.

Countryman Ryan Moore shot a flawless 64 in ideal scoring conditions to lie one back while Korea's Charlie Wi, a seven-time Asian Tour winner and a regular now on the PGA Tour, shared third place with England's Brian Davis and Sweden's Carl Pettersson with identical 65s.

Thai duo Pariya Junhasavasdikul and reigning Asian Tour number one Thongchai Jaidee shot 66s, as did Singapore's veteran Mardan Mamat, who enjoyed two eagles over his closing four holes.

The tournament's two highest ranked stars, world number eight Luke Donald of England and 11th ranked Ernie Els of South Africa, hit 67s in the first ever co-sanctioned Asian Tour and PGA Tour event.

Barnes, searching for his first professional victory, comfortably hit 17 greens in regulation and wielded a hot putter. "I made it a very stress free round on myself by putting from about 20 or 25 feet. It seemed like my putts were all from that region,"said Barnes.

After a stellar amateur career where he also won the US Amateur Championship, Barnes took a while to make an impression in the play-for-pay ranks and only came to prominence when he contended at the 2009 US Open before finishing tied second. He also finished equal 10th at the Masters Tournament in April, although it is a first victory that he desires the most.

"I played really well. I got off to a good start by making some good swings and had a 10 foot look at eagle on three which kind of got my round started,"said Barnes.

"I remember the heat from Malaysia! I had to fuel up before going out there and it felt good. I felt kind of hot after about nine holes but I was prepared with the weather. I have good memories in Malaysia so it is good to be back."