A double bogey on his second nine spoilt what could have been a perfect start in difficult conditions for Jeev Milkha Singh [Images] at the Coca-Cola Tokai Classic at the Miyoshi Country Club West Golf Course in Shizuoka on Thursday.

The Indian ace continued his amazing Japanese run as he shot a two-under 69 on the opening day to be sole second.

Jeev, looking to get into the top-10 of the Japan [Images] Tour for the first time, was one shot adrift of the sole leader Nobuhito Sato, who brought in a flawless three-under 68.

Starting on the tenth hole, Jeev opened with a flourish as he sank a great birdie. He added a second one on 12th to turn in two-under. A third birdie on the third hole of the front half of the course brought him to three-under and he looked set for a roaring finish.

But just then he landed into trouble and dropped a double bogey. He made up with a birdie on the seventh and ended at two-under.

"I scored well, though my game could have been much better," said Jeev as he made his way through windy conditions. He had 27 putts, but reached only 61 per cent greens in regulation and found the fairway less than 40 per cent.

The 36-year-old Sato, who has had a very modest season, birdied the 15th and 16th after starting from tenth. He added a third birdie on the first and then parred the rest for a good start. Sato has had just one top-10 finish this season with a sixth at Yomiuri Open.