Kota Kinabalu [SABAH]: Unheralded Chris Carey of Australia sprung a surprise of his own when he upstaged the tournament’s marquee names to take the opening round lead at the Sabah Masters on Wednesday.
Playing in only his second ASEAN PGA Tour event, the Bangkok-based professional returned with a solid three-under 68 to stay one clear at the summit of a congested leaderboard at the Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club.
Malaysians Chien Hau Tan, Airil Rizman Zahari and Khor Kheng Hwai were among six players tied for second at the US$100,000 Tour Championship, alongside Singaporean stalwart Mardan Mamat as well as the Thai pair of Pipatpong Naewsuk and Sutijet Kooratanapisan.
Promising local youngster Solomon Emilio Rosidin, who is making his professional debut this week, carded a one-under 70 to lie a further shot back in joint eighth with compatriot Mohd Shaaban Hussin, defending champion Wisut Artjanawat and Ratchapol Jantavara, both from Thailand.
Carey, one of the earliest starters, led for virtually the entire day after a run of four birdies around the turn. He conceded back-to-back bogeys on 13 and 14 but finished strongly with another gain on the 17.
“I was a bit surprised with my round today as I am been struggling with a flu last week and the greens were pretty hard to read. Except for the little hiccup on the back nine, I took my chances with a couple of crucial birdie putts, which really made my day,” said the 32-year-old journeyman, who has been plying his trade in Asia for over seven years.
It’s been a while since I strung four good rounds together and hopefully, I can do that this week,” he added.
Sabahan Tan was delighted with his opening effort of 69 as he stayed in contention on a tough-scoring day. The 23-year-old old turned professional last year after graduating from Ashford University in Iowa and is looking to shine in his first appearance at this prestigious tournament.
“The greens were really hard today and it was difficult to judge my approach shots correctly. But I putted surprisingly well today, nicked three birdies but more importantly, made a lot of par saves.
“Kept it solid throughout and if I can continue that momentum into tomorrow’s round, it would be half my mission complete,” he noted.
A regular fixture at the Sabah Masters in recent years, 46-year-old Mamat underlined his title aspirations with three birdies against a single dropped shot on the 17.
“Well, almost flawless but gave away a shot towards the end which was real pity. I had a good finish to 2014 and I am glad it is continuing into the new year. Have managed some good finishes here in the past, so it’s good to be in the mix,” shared the three-time winner on the ASEAN PGA Tour.
Leading first round scores
(Malaysians unless stated)
68 – Chris Carey (AUS)
69 – Airil Rizman Zahari, Chien Hau Tan, Pipatpong Naewsuk (THA), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Khor Kheng Hwai, Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA)
70 – Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Mohd Shaaban Hussin, Solomon Emilio Rosidin, Ratchapol Jantavara (THA)
71 – Supravee Phatam (THA), Arie Irawan
72 – Song Gyu Yoo (KOR), Kwanchai Tannin (THA), Jay Bayron (PHI), Michael Bibat (PHI), Joeh Seik (INA)
