Swede Karlsson and Indian Singh set early pace

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - Swede Robert Karlsson recovered from a double bogey at the first to charge into an early tie for the lead in the U.S. PGA Championship opening round on Thursday.

The 38-year-old took advantage of ideal morning conditions to card a two-under-par 68 at a sun-drenched Oakland Hills Country Club, finishing level with Indian Jeev Milkha Singh.

Spaniard Sergio Garcia and American journeyman Ken Duke opened with 69s while world number two Phil Mickelson, tournament favourite in the absence of the injured Tiger Woods, and fellow American Anthony Kim opened with 70s.

Jim Furyk, the 2003 U.S. Open winner, shot a 71.

Karlsson, the only player to have posted top-10 finishes in the first three majors this year, was delighted after rattling in six birdies in 10 holes from the second.

"I played really well on the front nine and got the putter going," the Swede told reporters after teeing off at the par-four first in the second group of the day.

"The greens were absolutely perfect so once I rolled a couple in I tried to just keep going."

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