Australian David Gleeson has taken outright leadership of the 2008 Macau Open after the opening round on Thursday. Gleeson recorded a seven-under-par first round of 64 to enjoy a one-stroke lead over a quartet of Asian challengers in Lin Wen-hong (Taiwan), Udorn Duangdecha (Thailand), Lin Wen-tang (Taiwan) and Wisut Artjanawat (Thailand) who all registered 65s. Gleeson&aposs faultless first round kicked off in blistering fashion with four birdies from the first four holes. However, after birdying the 7th hole, the 30-year-old couldn&apost do better than par the next eight consecutive holes. But he finished off strongly, birdying two of the final three holes to ensure sole ownership of the lead. “It was a good start for me. I didn&apost make the putts but I stayed patient out there which was the key,” said Gleeson. “I kept my rhythm going throughout the day and fired seven birdies without dropping a single shot which was nice. When I play like this, I expect the scores to go down even lower. It wasn&apost fireworks out there but just a normal day of golf.” “This is my 20th event on the Asian Tour. I had no idea what I was doing in the first 10 events. I was more composed after that patch and decided to compete in more tournaments to secure my card for next year.” “My goal is to win by as many shots as I can but if it doesn&apost work out that way, I will still go at it. I will adopt an aggressive approach here unless the weather makes a difference.” The next-best Aussie is Darren Beck (five-under) while Richard Moir (four-under), Tony Carolan (four-under), Jason King (four-under) and Unho Park (four-under) are all part of a logjam of 10 golfers in equal 11th position. Beck, who is in a share of sixth position, started his tournament in similar fashion to Gleeson with three birdies from the first three holes. The Aussie found himself four-under after six holes with another birdie at the 6th and although he bogeyed the next hole, he quickly made up for it by birdying the 8th. Beck picked up birdies at the 10th and 13th as well but a bogey at the 14th and pars at his last four holes meant he ended the day two strokes off Gleeson.