Ian Poulter takes early lead at Singapore Open; Ernie Els one back

SINGAPORE (AP) -- Ian Poulter took a one-shot lead over Ernie Els at the Singapore Open on Thursday before play was halted by darkness following a three-hour suspension due to lightning.

Poulter, who had six birdies, shot a 5-under 66 at the par-71 Sentosa Golf Club, one stroke ahead of Els and Chan Yih-shin.

"It was nice," Poulter said after his round. "There were no mistakes on the back nine and on my front nine, after I bogeyed the first, I started to hit some good shots."

Phil Mickelson, who had an eagle and three birdies to go with three bogeys for a 69, was in a group of seven players at 2 under.

"I putted well today, and as the week goes on I think I will get better and better as I get accustomed to the speed of the greens," Mickelson said.

Poulter is looking to move up the rankings of the European Tour's Race to Dubai, where he's currently in 29th place. The Singapore Open is co-sanctioned by the European and Asian tours.

About half the field had not completed the first round when play was stopped by darkness. Earlier, play was suspended for three hours due to thunderstorms.

Padraig Harrington and Geoff Ogilvy were among the players who will finish the first round on Friday morning.

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