Chapchai Takes Early Round Lead

Despite the scorching temperature that rose to 41 degree, the 32-year-old Bangkokian rolled in eight birdies, six from  the front nine (starting at the back) to take charge at the par 72 7,630 yard course.

“I just started using new club set this week and it turned out I kicked off this tournament very well. I putted unbelievably well which was the key,” said the 32-year-odl winner of four Asian Tour titles.

Since winning two All Thailand Golf Tour titles in Chiang Mai and Rayong back in 2013, Chapchai has never again lifted up a local. He hoped to end the long drought of title this week.

“Normally I didn’t play well on the course but with such a good start like this I hope to continue this form and win. It’s a very long course which should suit my game. All I need is to putt well every day,” added Chapchai.

Khon Kaen-based Thanyakorn fired eight birdies against a lone bogey on the sixth hole for a 65, one off the lead.

“My driver and putter worked quite well today. Actually I hit with the new set of clubs today and still did not hit the target much. But seven under is not so bad to start the tournament especially on homesoil which I always long to win,” said the 25 year old Thanyakorn.

“However I was under a bit pressure as there are fans and familiar people who come to watch me. I used to finish runner-up twice at this course and this time I want to go further,” added the hometown boy.

Three shots off the lead were the trio of Thummanoon Koonmark, Atthaphon Sriboonkaew and Poom Saksaensin, each with a 67.

Former Asian Tour No 1  Thaworn Wiratchant carded six birdies against two bogeys before settling with a 68 which placed him at joint sixth along with Saomchai Pongpaew, South Korean Baek Seuk-hyun, Nakarintra Ratanakul, Kwanchai Tannin and Nittihorn Thippong.