Akron (Ohio), Aug 7 - Jeev Milkha Singh dropped a last hole bogey and ended with a modest even par-70 in the first round Friday of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational here on his return to competition after a three-week rest to recover from injury.

Jeev had three birdies and three bogeys in a satisfactory return at the Firestone Country Club. 'It would have tasted better if I had not dropped that bogey on the last hole,' said Jeev. 'I am playing well and not feeling tentative with my shots.'

Jeev opened with a birdie on the second hole but suffered a setback with a bogey on the very next hole. He again shot a birdie on the sixth to make the turn one-under. His return journey started well with a birdie on the 10th but bogeys on the 11th and 18th holes saw him end at 70.

Two-time British Open winner, Irishman Padraig Harrington, took a two-stroke lead at the top with a flawless six-under 64. Thai Prayad Marksaeng, South African Tim Clark and American Scott Verplank shared the second spot. Tiger Woods and Spaniard Sergio Garcia were tied for the eighth spot after turning in identical 68s.