Established challengers such as Singh, Els, Mickelson and Davis Love III have all displayed superb form in recent months.
Much was also expected of Australia's Adam Scott and American Chad Campbell over the fast-running Augusta layout, which was baked by eight days of unbroken sunshine before Thursday's showers.
Four-times winner Arnold Palmer is certain to provide the week's most nostalgic moment in his record 50th and final US Masters. The 74-year-old American, who has not made the cut at Augusta since 1983, opened with a 12-over 84.
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