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Ryan Moore shoots 9-under 63 to take 2-shot lead at CIMB Classic in Malaysia

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Spain's Sergio Garcia lines up a putt on the 18th hole during the first round of the CIMB Classic golf tournament at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Thursday, Oct. 24, 2013. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) (The Associated Press)

U.S. golfer Phil Mickelson watches his shot on the 10th hole during the first round of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic golf tournament at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) in Kuala Lumpur, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) (The Associated Press)

Ryan Moore had 10 birdies in a nearly blemish-free round to shoot a 9-under 63 and take a two-stroke lead after the opening round of the CIMB Classic on Thursday.

The American was coming off a top-10 finish at the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open last weekend and surged into the lead with a 25-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole. He capped the round with another birdie on the 18th after sticking his approach within inches of the hole.

Keegan Bradley had seven birdies to finish two strokes back in second, and Sergio Garcia was another shot behind at 6 under.

It was a tough day for defending champion Nick Watney, who had two bogeys on his first three holes and ended up in a share of 65th place at 3 over.