He fired a four-under-par 68 at Emeralda Golf Club, where the course is proving to be a stern test for the high-calibre field.
China’s Liang Wenchong, second in this event in 2010, and Australian Rohan Blizard carded 69s. Thais Prom Meesawat and Prayad Marksaeng shot 74s while Thaworn Wiratchant had a 75.