Arnold Palmer was given an emotional reception

Three-time winner Nick Faldo rolled back the years with a vintage round in which he picked up five shots before the rain arrived.

Singh's efforts earned him a course record for the new-look Augusta National, which has been lengthened by 300 yards for 2002.

There was no sign of the pyrotechnics to come, though, when he parred the first seven holes.

But a birdie at the eighth kickstarted Singh's challenge - and he blazed through the back nine in just 30 strokes, with four more birdies and an eagle at the par-five 15th.

Singh's previous best was 67 in 2000, when he went on to claim his first green jacket.

But ominously for he rivals he said: "I'm a better player than I was two years ago."

Bjorn's birdie bonanza

Singh's playing partner, Thomas Bjorn, was not to be out-done though, as the Dane also found some record-breaking form.

Harrington sees an eagle putt lip out

Bjorn birdied the opening five holes, for the first time in the history of the championship, on his way to a fine 67.

"I'd say a couple of times a year, you get on a streak like that," Bjorn said.

"But hardly ever at the start of a round, and never on a course like this. It was almost too easy."

Harrington, whose round would have been even better had he not seen an eagle putt lip out at the 15th, remains in with a chance of his first Major title - but he knows there is a long way to go.

"You would think a green jacket would suit an Irishman," he joked, "but we will have to wait and see."