Intro:

John Wade and Thorbjorn Olesen share the lead after day one of the European Tour's Perth International on Thursday, both finishing with an eight-under-par 64.

Script:

The opening round of the Perth International got underway at sun-kissed Lake Karrinyup on Thursday.

With the season-end nearing, the tournament has some intriguing sub-plots - with the Race to Dubai and playing rights for next season also reaching their conclusions.

Only the top 111 players on The Race to Dubai at the close of play on Sunday will keep their cards for 2015.

John Wade fired an eight under-par 64 to claim the clubhouse lead during the first round.

The 46 year-old Australian got off to a scintillating start with four birdies in his first five holes followed by an eagle at the long 15th, having begun his round at the 10th.

That put him two clear of compatriot Michael Sim and Scotland's Peter Whiteford, who share third place.

Denmark's Thorbjørn Olesen also carded a 64 that saw him make eight birdies over a flawless opening 18, allowing the Dane to share the lead on day one.

Olesen played some remarkable recovery shots from some difficult positions to keep up with Wade out in front.

Perth native Brett Rumford, who despite being 119th on The Race to Dubai is safe for next season having won twice last term, is tied for fifth on five-under with compatriot Matthew Griffin, England's Mark Foster and Scot David Drysdale.

Major champions Charl Schwartzel and Jason Dufner carded rounds of 68 and 70 respectively.

But it's Wade and Olesen the joint leaders heading into round two, with a two-shot lead on eight-under for the tournament, however it's Scott Jameison with the shot of the day.