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September 10th 2009, Macau: Australia's Peter Cooke seized the early first round lead after firing an impressive five-under-par 66 at the Macau Open 2009 on Thursday.

The 24-year-old Cooke posted seven birdies against two bogeys in the US$5 million full field Asian Tour event to take a one-stroke lead over compatriot Andrew Dodt, South Africa's Keith Horne and 10-time Asian Tour winner Thaworn Wiratchant of Thailand.

Gavin Flint of Australia together with Philippines' Antonio Lascuna and Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand took a share of fifth place after posting identical 68s at the par-71 Macau Golf & Country Club.

Cooke, who works as a baggage handler at the Adelaide Airport, got off to a bright start as he sank four consecutive birdies from the fifth hole.

"I treat the game differently as I don't feel tense out there anymore. I have to maintain my positive attitude and continue holing my putts. I have been working hard on my wedge play and it worked for me," said Cooke whose best result this year was a tied eighth finish at the Black Mountain Masters in Thailand.

Cooke was delighted to see his name on top the leaderboard and credited his employers for giving him the opportunity to juggle his career as a professional golfer and his job in Adelaide, Australia.

"I take most of the mornings to practice and I am lucky to be able to work in the afternoon. I just have to stay committed and not sleep in. My employers have been really supportive and they give me time off when I need it," said Cooke.

Horne, chasing his first title on the Asian Tour, fired four birdies in his blemish free round which included a 30 feet downhill birdie putt that kept him within a stroke of the clubhouse leader.

"I haven't been getting too many top-10s in Asia but my game has been consistent. My goal is always to try and finish more in the top-10. I've missed the big cuts this year and it has been very disappointing as I don't normally do that, so being in the top-10 is a little satisfying and it will be nice if I can make my way closer to the top position," said Horne.

Thaworn continued his rich vein of form from Switzerland where he finished in tied 11th at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland last week. The Thai posted four birdies and two bogeys and a spectacular chip in eagle from 42 yards on the 18th hole.

The evergreen golfer rued his bad tee shots but was pleased with his putting which pulled his game up.

"I was feeling a little bit dizzy and sleepy as I'm still recovering from jetlag but overall I am still very pleased with my game. My putting saved my game as I only managed to hit four fairways," said the 42-year-old who finished in tied 11th at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland last week.

Dodt started his round on a positive note after sinking three consecutive birdies before mixing his card with another four birdies and three bogeys.

"It was a great start. I didn't expect that because the first three holes were really tough with the wind. I have been working hard on my mental side and my short game as it has been letting me down. Hopefully my training can keep me in good shape for the rest of the week," said Dodt.