Rayong: Pawin Ingkhapradit shot an opening six-under-par 65 to take a one-shot lead at the two-million-baht Singha Championship 2018 in Rayong yesterday.
Pawin sank seven birdies on holes Nos.2, 3, 4, 9, 13, 17 and 18, with an 11th-hole bogey being his only blemish yesterday at the par-71 Rayong Green Valley Country Club.
"It was quite windy today so for me to be able to shoot so many birdies was great," said the 27-year-old Pawin, who is chasing his second All Thailand Golf Tour title. His first ATGT win came in 2015 at Singha Hua Hin Open.
"Of course I would love to win this week after having such a great start. Being the leader also put me under a bit of pressure, but I will just try to stick to my game plan. If it's windy again tomorrow, I will have to play if safe," he added.
Panuwat Muenlek shot five birdies for a bogey-free 66 to trail Pawin by just one shot.
"I kept it mostly on the fairways and managed to get five birdies, so overall it was a good day for me," said the 33-year-old Panuwat. "Hopefully I can stay bogey-free again tomorrow."
Bhurinat Songpaiboon and Thitipat Phatam shared third place after they shot matching 67s.
They were one shot ahead of a group of seven players including Chapchai Nirat.
Defending champion Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol had a disappointing start with a four-over 75.
