Subang: Pre-tournament favourite Low Khai Jei and fellow national Paul San took a share of the first round honours after posting matching one-under 71s at the 100Plus Malaysian Junior Open on Wednesday.

The duo lead another local Mohd Naqiuddin Md Fuad by three strokes after a solid start to their campaigns at Saujana Golf & Country Club.

Meanwhile, in the girls’ category,Filipino Princess Mary Superal shot an even-par 72 to lead Malaysia’s Asha Lakshme by two strokes. The 15-year-old Princess is confident of capturing her hattrick for The Phillipines as he attempts to defend the overall title won by her compatriots Dottie Ardina last year and Sarah Ababa in 2010.

“It is very hilly and tricky but I managed to get my irons into play today. I was fairly confident of doing well in Malaysia as I’ve heard so much about this course from my compatriots, but didn’t expect to shoot such a good score,” shared Princess, who won the girls’ under-15 category at the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) Junior Amateur Open in March.

“My putting was a little erratic and that probably caused me a better score. I need to remain calm over the next two days if I’m to maintain my country’s winning run,” added the Manila native, who had a flawless back nine highlighted by a birdie on the 13th.

Leading first round scores (Malaysia unless stated)
Boys
71 – Low Khai Jei, Paul San
74 – Muhammad Naqiuddin
75 – Park Chang Uk (South Korea)
76 – Joshua Gibbons (England)
77 – Bryan Teoh Wiyang

Girls
72 – Princes Mary Superal (Philippines)
74 – Asha Lakshme
76 – Nur Durriyah Damian, Genevieve Ling
80 – Sarafina Vinota Seretharan
82 – Abigail Chong