Phachara chases Warren after superb start #MaybankChampionship

Warren produced one eagle and seven birdies at the Saujana Golf and Country Club’s Palm course to lead from Thai teenager Phachara Khongwatmai, who shot a 65 in the US$3 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Malaysia’s Arie Irawan carded a bogey-free 66 to carry the local hopes as he ended the morning session tied with Masters Tournament winner Danny Willett of England and American Peter Uihlein.

Korea’s Soomin Lee, who finished tied second in the inaugural Maybank Championship last year, put himself in position for another title crack with a fine 67 which featured five birdies.

Quotes

Phachara Khongwatmai (Tha) – First round 65 (-7)

I’m very happy. I didn’t think I could shoot seven under. This course is a tough course. One or two under would be good and if I can make the cut, I’ll be happy. I didn’t think too much about making birdies. I wasn’t confident of putting the ball but they all went in.

I’m happy that I could keep my form steady from last year, so I’m more confident in 2017. I now feel confident playing anywhere and also my style is to be as relaxed as possible. If what I practice is right, then I will keep doing it. I’ve been practicing my putting a lot as I know putting is important to put a score.

Singapore was a good week with a second place (also qualified for The Open). Every week, I want to make the cut. Then I’m happy. I won’t force myself. If I can keep up with my good form, I will try my best to get a win on the Asain Tour this year.

Arie Irawan of Malaysia

Arie Irawan (Mas) – First Round 66 (-6)

I got off to a patient start, made the right decisions and then the birdies came. Made five in a row and another one on four. Just stayed in there. I made a 16 or 18 footer on 15 and hit it to three feet on 16, hit it to four and half feet on 17 and made a nine footer at the next. On one, I made a five footer. I was putting it good and putting the ball in the right position. That’s when the birdies started.

I love this golf course. I’ve played here since my junior and amateur days. It’s one of my favourite courses to play. It’s great for the tournament to come back here. To make no bogeys here is great as if you can make a lot of birdies here to be in a good position.

I played good on the last day in Bangladesh (last week). I shot a 68 and no bogeys too. So I’m on a no bogey run for 36 holes which is good. I learned a lot from playing in Bangladesh and from playing in Qschool. Just finding ways to get better. The preparation for this week has been good. My caddie and I did a lot of good work and it helped.