The 52-year-old Daly is tied with European Ryder Cup hopeful Thomas Pieters of Belgium, Callum Tarren of England and Gavin Green of Malaysia.

Fighting a knee injury that forced him to withdraw after two rounds last week in the PGA Tour Champions' event in New York, Daly had eight birdies in the bogey-free round at Albatross Golf Resort.

"It was fun," Daly said. "I hit a lot of good shots and make a few putts ... I drove the ball really well.

"There were so many pins that were perfect yardages for me – comfortable shots all day long."

The two-time major champion won the last of his five PGA Tour titles in 2004. He won a Champions event last year in Houston.

Andrew Dodt was the best of the Australians in the opening round, shooting six-under 66 to share 10th place.