SSP Chawrasia got off to a flying start at the UBS Hong Kong Open as he battled to guarantee his place on The European Tour next season.
The Indian came into the week 111th in the Race to Dubai, one place short of sealing his playing privileges and knowing he would have to at least make the cut to avoid a trip to the Qualifying School.
And he came out of the gate at Hong Kong Golf Club like a man with something to play for, parring his first two holes but then going on a run of five consecutive birdies from the 13th to sit at five under through eight holes.
That gave him a share of the early lead on day one with World Number 20 Patrick Reed, who recorded five birdies in his first 10 holes.
The American also began on the 11th and he made three gains from the 14th before picking up further shots on the first and second.
Birdie runs seemed to be the order of the day on Thursday with South Korea's Soomin Lee a shot behind the leaders through just five holes having picked up four consecutive strokes from the 12th.
Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei was also at four under, with five birdies and a bogey in his first 12 holes, a shot ahead of Prom Meesawat - another man battling to keep his card.
The Thai sits right on the line at 110th in the Race to Dubai and birdies on the 12th, 16th and 17th holes gave his chances a major boost in the early stages.
Oliver Fisher, who may well be looking over his shoulder at 105th in the standings, was also three under alongside American Paul Peterson who will need to finish near the very top of the leaderboard this week to keep his card.
Matthew Fitzpatrick was then in the group at two under in his first event since winning his maiden title at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports alongside Marco Crespi, Lin Wen-tang, Chapchai Nirat, Wade Ormsby, CT Pan, Andrea Pavan and Sattaya Supupramai.
Defending champion Scott Hend was then in the group at one under.
