Kota Kinabalu: Local star Shaaban Hussin got off to a good start when he fired an opening round five-under-par 67 to lead at the PGM-UMW Sabah Classic on Wednesday. 

The 33-year-old opened his campaign strongly by marking his card with seven birdies against two bogeys for a two-shot lead over compatriot M. Sasidaran at the RM180,000 (approximately US$60,000) Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Malaysia’s top-ranked golfer Nicholas Fung, Chien Tan and Peter Richardson of England, who earned his 2013 Asian Tour card through the ADT last year, shared third place after signing for matching 70s at the Sabah Golf and Country Club.

Current ADT Order of Merit leader, Iain Steel of Malaysia, carded a 71 for tied sixth with James Bowen and Gary Knight of the United States, Australian Darren Tan, Wolmer Murillo of Venezuela and Malaysians Airil Rizman, Faridil Atras, Amli Mohiyadeen and Sukree Othman.

Shaaban credited his hot putter for the lead as he bids for a first ADT victory at the PGM-UMW Sabah Classic.

“I putted well and made a couple of birdies. I’m happy with how I played so far. Hopefully, I can do the same tomorrow. I just hope to stick to my own game plans and not think too much,” said Shaaban, who finished tied fifth at the PGM Terengganu Masters two weeks ago.

Meanwhile Sasidaran was delighted with his flawless round which was highlighted by three birdies on holes one, four and 13th. “I played well. I’m happy with my current form. I think it’s getting better. I will try to play better tomorrow. Hopefully I can produce another solid round,” added the 36-year-old Sasidaran.

Leading first round scores
67 – Shaaban Hussin
69 – M. Sasidaran
70 – Chien Tan, Nicholas Fung, Peter Richardson (ENG)
71 – Gary Knight (USA), Faridil Atras, James Bowen (USA), Amli Mohayideen, Iain Steel, Airil Rizman Zahari, Sukree Othman, Wolmer Murillo (VEN), Darren Tan (AUS)