Norway take early lead

Germany's Alex Cejka tees off on the 18th

The Norwegian duo of Per Haugsrud and Henrik Bjornstad carded a 12-under par 60 to grab first-day honours in the Nations Cup.

Brazil, China and Mexico were tied for second at 10 under in the four-day event, which serves as a qualifying tournament for the World Cup in Japan in November.

The Netherlands were a shot further back at the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Malaysia, with the Philippines, Germany and Chile trailing by another stroke.

Haugsrud and Bjornstad worked the slow greens well in the fourball team format on a day when all but one of the 26 nations broke par.

Brazil celebrate after finishing day one in second place

Bjornstad, 22, was outstanding, recording an eagle at the par five 13th and adding a further seven birdies.

"We are naturally happy with our performance but this is still early days," said Bjornstad.

Zhang Lian-wei was the top man for China, scoring four birdies after his eagle effort on the 13th.

Unfancied Brazil, represented by Joao Coeteiz and Ronaldo Francisco, were the early surprises of the tournament.

Mauritius, who returned to the clubhouse at one-over, were the only nation not to break par.

Twenty-eight nations had entered the tournament but the field was reduced to 26 countries following the last-minute withdrawals of Venezuela and Zambia.

A top-six finish will ensure a team of a place in the World Cup, which will be held at the Taiheiyo Club in Japan from the 15-18 November.

The teams will play the foursome format on Friday and Sunday, with another round of fourball on Saturday.