Subang: Mitsuhiko Hashizume of Japan opened with a flawless six-under-par 66 to take the clubhouse lead at the weather-disrupted Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Northport Glenmarie Championship on Wednesday.
Local talent Arie Irawan, Thai duo Sattaya Supupramai and Piya Swangarunporn signed for matching 68s to share second place while India’s Shubhankar Sharma, Australian Darren Tan and Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit champions Nicholas Fung and S. Sivachandhran of Malaysia, were a further shot back on 69.
The first round of the RM200,000 (approximately US$60,000) event was suspended at 3.15pm local time due to inclement weather before resuming two hours later, only to be called off again at 7.15pm due to fading light. A total of 35 players will return to the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club on Thursday morning to complete their opening rounds.
Hashizume, who claimed his maiden win in Malaysia last April, fired six birdies to march to the top of the leaderboard as he aims for a second ADT title.
“My putting is good. It’s a nice course with narrow fairways and hard greens. It’s pretty difficult but I will try and do my best for the next three rounds. Hopefully I can claim my second win this week,” said Hashizume.
The 23-year-old Arie rode on a hot putter on a golf course where he used to play since his junior days. The Malaysian shot seven birdies against three bogeys to stay in the hunt for a first professional victory.
“My putting was really good. It was a good start for me. I just have to keep the momentum going. I’ve been playing here since my junior days so I’m pretty comfortable playing on this course,” said Arie.
National number one Fung, who is playing in his fifth consecutive event this week, battled through fatigue to return with a 69 without playing a practice round.
“I didn’t have any practice round. I’ve been playing a lot lately and I’m tired. I’m struggling with a stiff neck too. I missed a lot of short putts today. I need to get more rest,” said a weary Fung.
Fung, currently ranked 259th in the world, won the 2013 ADT Order of Merit crown courtesy of one victory and three second place finishes. He subsequently rose in stature with several top finishes on the Asian Tour at the end of 2013 to secure his full playing rights.
Current Order of Merit leader Chan Shih-chang of Chinese Taipei, who won his second ADT title in Langkawi a fortnight ago, signed for an opening round of 71 to tie for 17 while defending champion, Danny Chia of Malaysia was one shot back on 72.
Leading first round scores
66 – Mitsuhiko Hashizume (JPN)
68 – Piya Swangarunporn (THA), Sattaya Supupramai (THA), Arie Irawan
69 – Nicholas Fung, S. Sivachandhran, Shubhankar Sharma (IND), Darren Tan (AUS)
70 – Poosit Supupramai (THA), R. Nachimuthu (Mas), Suppakorn Uthaipat (THA), Jakraphan Premsirigorn (THA), Sukree Othman, Casey O’Toole (USA), Lin Kuan-Po (TPE), Choo Tze Huang (SIN)
