Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's Danny Chia continued his recent good form to take the first round lead in the opening round of the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Tour's Sabah Champions on Wednesday.He carded a five-under-par 67 to lead by one stroke from 16-year-old Phachara Khongwatmai from Thailand.The veteran was pleased with his performance and said the main key was his solid driving and iron shots that enabled him to have a go at birdies, where he carded a total of five birdies with two par-5s on the first nine and another three birdies over the homeward stretch.
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There were six players tied for third place on two-under 70, with Hsieh Chi-Hsien of Taipei, Canadian Lindsay Renolds, Singaporean Koh Deng Shan, the Thai duo of Sutijet Kooratanapisan and Pavit Tangkamolprasert, and Malaysia's Zen Dharmaratne.Thais Pannakorn Uthaipas and Ratchapol Jantavara, China's Ye Jian-Feng and Mitchell Slorach of Singapore were the other players to have gone under-par on the first day, carding 71s.
Meanwhile, local favourite and former winner Nicholas Fung only managed a one-over 73 in his opening round.He was the best among all the Sabahan players. Another local pro Lam Yu Shuen was next with his score card of two-over 74 followed by former natioanal number one Ben Leong who was a shot further behind while Albright Chong was the best amateur with a fine five-over 77.
