Taiwan’s Chan Yih-shin made a spirited start with a sparkling eight-under 64 to take the first-round lead at the King’s Cup in Thailand yesterday.
The 32-year Chan, who is chasing his first Asian Tour victory, brilliantly fired nine birdies at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club to open up a two-stroke lead over India’s rising star Anirban Lahiri.
Unheralded Thai Somsak Khaopratoom, Lin Wen-hong of Taiwan and C. Muniyappa of India are a further stroke back after shooting 67s.
PHOTO: AFP/ASIAN TOUR
Gaurav Ghei of India and New Zealander Mark Purser are among those in tied sixth place on 68, while local hero Thongchai Jaidee, who has already wrapped up a record third Asian Tour Order of Merit title, opened his campaign with an error-strewn 70.
Chan’s highlight of the round came at the 13th hole where he chipped in for birdie from 35 yards.
“Everything clicked and I am happy to lead by two,” Chan said.
The man from Taipei hopes lessons learned at last month’s Barclays Singapore Open, where he was in contention before fading during the weekend, will stand him in good stead in his hunt for a first title at the King’s Cup, which is making its debut on the Asian Tour.
“I wasn’t feeling relaxed in Singapore, so I have learned my lesson and will try to keep myself calm throughout the week,” Chan said.
Lahiri said he was thrilled with his round that included seven birdies. The Indian was particularly delighted to birdie the challenging 514-yard par-four ninth hole.
“They moved the tee box up by 50 yards as it’s into the wind, but the ninth hole is still the hardest on the course, so it was good to score there,” said Lahiri, who is currently 27th in the rankings following four top 10 finishes.
“I’m mentally more relaxed, as I don’t need to fight to keep my Tour card. There is no pressure on me to perform, so I’m just going out to have fun and hopefully things will fall into place,” he said.
Muniyappa, who broke through with a popular win at the Hero Honda Indian Open in October, soared with a chip-in eagle at the 15th hole.
“The eagle was the turning point. After four holes I was two-under, but after that I couldn’t hole the putts and then chipped in on 15,” he said.
Thongchai, searching for a third victory of the year, endured a tough start as he mixed his card with six birdies against four bogeys. He is six shots behind the leader.
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