Ian Poulter produced a near flawless performance to tie for the lead after the opening round at the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Miyazaki, Japan.

Englishman Poulter, part of a strong international contingent, carded five birdies for a five-under-par 65 in benign conditions at Phoenix Country Club.

He joined Japan's Muto Toshinori and South Korean Kyung-Tae Kim, one stroke ahead of Australian Chris Campbell and Spaniard Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano.

Defending champion Padraig Harrington eagled his first hole, the par-four 10th, but could not take full advantage of his great start - shooting a two-under 68.

"Starting with an eagle, I felt I could have done better," he said. "At times I was trying a little too hard, trying to birdie every hole.

"I feel good about my game. I just need to stay a little more patient than today. It was a little erratic."