Singh's 68 helps to ease pain from ankle injury

By Larry Fine

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Michigan (Reuters) - Jeev Milkha Singh of India shrugged off an ankle problem to claim a share of the early lead in the U.S. PGA Championship first round on Thursday.

Singh, who injured a tendon in his right ankle eight weeks ago, was joint leader in the clubhouse with Sweden's Robert Karlsson on two-under 68.

"There's a lot of pain," the Indian told reporters at Oakland Hills Country Club. "I've been wearing a brace for the last four weeks."

Singh has been in good form recently despite cutting down on practice to save wear and tear on his ankle.

Since sustaining the injury he has won the Austrian Open and again in Japan.

"I haven't played any practice rounds for the last seven weeks in the tournaments I've played and it's worked pretty good," said Singh, who played only nine holes on Tuesday and nine on Wednesday to prepare for the year's fourth and final major.

He overcame a bogey start with an eagle at the 529-yard par-five second hole after his approach shot finished five feet from the cup and a birdie at the fifth.

Bogeys at the seventh and 10th slowed the 36-year-old's momentum before he rallied with birdies at 15 and 17.