KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia —
Italian teenager Matteo Manassero shot a 6-under 66 to take the early lead, while newly crowned Masters champion Charl Schwartzel struggled Thursday in the opening round of the Malaysian Open.
Schwartzel had a 1-over 73 on the first morning of the tournament at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club after arriving in Malaysia a day earlier. Fellow South African Louis Oosthuizen shot a three-under 69.
"I didn't sleep very well," Schwartzel said, complaining of jet lag. "I'm struggling to focus. The golf swing is tight. ... I was swinging so good last week and the weeks before that. The body isn't responding right now, but it will come."
Manassero delighted the crowd with his putting as he sank eight birdies, including the last four holes. Manassero turns 18 next week and said it would be a "nice way to celebrate" by winning in Malaysia.
"It will be good to get to a major age!" said Manassero, who became the European Tour's youngest winner when he captured the Castello Masters Costa Azahar last year.
"I played well and holed a few nice 20 footers," he added. "I like the grainy greens. I feel like I can hit every putt solid and it gives me confidence putting."
Among the players yet to finish the round were Rory McIlroy, who led the Masters for 63 holes before a disastrous final round.
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