Park lays down the gauntlet

Park Sang Ho ©Khalid Redza|100Plus
Park Sang Ho ©Khalid Redza|100Plus

Kota Kinabalu [SABAH]: South Korean Park Sang Ho stormed to the opening round lead at the 100Plus Malaysian Open with a sizzling five-under 67 on Thursday.

A resident of Sabah for eight years, the 18-year-old made full advantage of his familiarity with the Sabah Golf & Country Club layout as he confidently returned with a round of six birdies against a single bogey to open up a six-shot cushion.

The trio of Malaysia’s Galven Kendall Green, Ryan Wong Wey Ren of Singapore and Thailand’s Eekarat Leksuwan recorded matching 73s to lie tied second, ahead of Hong Kong’s Leon Philip D’Souza, who took sole fifth with a 74.

Defending champion Amir Nazrin Jailani rued some costly mistakes as he settled for a 75 alongside fellow PELAPIS players Alvin Hiew and Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz.

In the girls’ division, Harmie Constantino of the Philippines topped the leaderboard with a solid one-under 71 to lead Chinese Taipei’s Chang Yi Chia by one shot.

Another Filipino competitor Samantha Martirez was third on 74 with Malaysia’s Raeysha Surendran a further stroke adrift in a share for fourth with Li Kai Wing of Hong Kong and Thailand’s Suthavee Chanachai after carding identical 75s.

Mixing sharp approach play and accurate putting, Park got off to a hot start with four birdies in a flawless front nine before dropping a bogey on the 10th.

The SMS Seri Insan student then drained a 25-foot birdie putt on the 15th before closing his round with another gain on the final hole.

“I started really well. I went out there and played to the best of my ability and didn’t make any costly mistakes. I was striking a lot of greens in regulation and took my chances well. I tried to avoid making mistakes but it’s my best score here and I’m really surprised with myself,” said Park.

Green on the other hand was pleased with his effort despite facing a mountain to climb if he is tear into Park’s lead.

“I can be a happy with that number but could have managed my round a lot better. I went out there confidently but made one or two mistakes that leaves with much to chase. Just have to focus more and get into my rhythm a bit quickly,” said the 15-year-old younger brother of national stalwart Gavin.

Leading first round scores (Malaysian unless stated):
Boys’
67 – Park Sang Ho (KOR)
73 – Ryan Wong Wey Ren (SIN), Galven Kendall Green, Eekarat Leksuwan (THA)
74 – Leon Philip D’Souza (HKG)
75 – Alvin Hiew, Daeng Abdul Rahman Abdul Aziz, Amir Nazrin Jailani
77 – Bryan Teoh Wiyang, Mohd Daniel Faidz Jazmi, Charles Alliston (SIN)
78 – Jeryl Tan Foo Yew (SIN), Solomon Emilio Rosidin
79 – Victor Ng Yu Kai
80 – Ankur Malik (ENG), Louis Tee (SIN)

Girls’
71 – Harmie Constantino (PHI)
72 – Chang Yi Chia (TPE)
74 – Samantha Martirez (PHI)
75 – Raeysha Surendran, Li Kai Wing (HKG), Suthavee Chanachai (THA)
78 – Sofia Chabon (PHI)
80 – Chong Yong, Sarah Tan (SIN), Winnie Ng Xu Yuan, Tham Soot Yuet
81 – Kelie Kan Kah Yan, Abegail Arevalo (PHI), Mikhaela Fortuna (PHI)
82 – Ginnie Ho, Geraldine Wong