MACAU -- Ian Poulter returned from a four-month layoff because of a foot ailment to take a share of the lead at the Macau Open with an opening-round 64.Poulter and Spains Carlos Pigem were tied at 7-under par on Thursday and had a one-shot lead over Thailands Chapchai Nirat, who had three birdies and an eagle over his last eight holes to finish with a 65.Australias Marcus Fraser experienced back spasms at the start of his round and, after taking pain medication, finished with a 66, tied with Indias Anirban Lahiri at 5-under.Poulter, who has 10 starts in which to earn 218 FedEx Cup points or about $350,000 to keep full PGA Tour status for the rest of the year, had five birdies on the outward nine in his first round back since missing the cut at Colonial in late May.Ive never had four and a half months off in my life. Its an unusual position but I played nicely, said Poulter, a vice-captain for Europe at the recent Ryder Cup. I just tried to get my game in shape coming out here.Poulter said he didnt play competitively for 14 weeks because of an arthritic joint in his right foot, which made it difficult to walk and now requires him to wear a special insole in his shoe.The most important thing Ill take away from this is how solid I played, how nicely I putted, he said. Ive worked in all areas of my game to get ready, and obviously, its a great start.Theres no cure for arthritis, so rest and rehab is the key part.Poulter stated his reason for choosing the Macau Open in China over the European Tours British Masters was simply down to travel time, with the PGA Tour heading to Malaysia next week for the CIMB Classic.?Im not saying the British Masters isnt a big event because its a massive event and I hosted it last year, but for me its about maintaining my status where I live right now, Poulter confirmed.I have 10 events to play, and the CIMB Classic is a big event for me. I want to be there Sunday night which I can do from Macau. First thing Monday morning I can be there fresh and ready to play. If I played the British Masters, it would mean going from the UK to Malaysia and I dont really want to pitch up jet-lagged.Custom Seattle Mariners Jerseys . Q: Team Canada announces their Olympic roster three weeks from today. Who is general manager Steve Yzerman watching? LeBrun: Over the last 48 hours, hes taken in the home-and-home between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche with Jamie Benn and Matt Duchene being the obvious targets. Wholesale Mariners Jerseys . -- Peyton Manning will have all of his wide receivers available for the first time in a month when the Denver Broncos begin their playoff run Jan. https://www.cheapmariners.com/ . If ever they start actually putting pictures beside words in the dictionary, the Blue Jays left-handers mug will appear beside “Consistency. Stitched Mariners Jerseys . -- Matt Kuchar and Harris English ran away with the Franklin Templeton Shootout, shooting a 14-under 58 on Sunday in the final-round scramble to break the tournament course record. Mariners Jerseys 2020 . The defence is doing its part, too. Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and the guys on the other side made sure that was enough, sending the Saints to a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.HOUSTON -- Astros closer Ken Giles injured his right wrist when he was hit by a line drive during batting practice Saturday.Manager A.J. Hinch said Giles wrist was already starting to bruise minutes after the pitcher was struck.X-rays taken on Giles right wrist came back negative, according to the Astros. He was diagnosed with a contusion.Trainers ran out to the right-hander after he was hit, and Gilles remained on his knees before being carted off the field.ddddddddddddGiles picked up his fifth blown save this season Friday night, when he gave up six runs in the ninth inning of a 10-6 loss to the Los Angeles Angels.He is 2-5 with a 4.31 ERA and 13 saves this season. ' ' '