Thailand dominated the first round of the Asia-Pacific Team Championship offering the Nomura Cup, taking the lead in both individual and team events at Sungai Long Golf and Country Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday.
National star Kammalas Namuangruk shot a stunning eight-under 64 to open up a three-shot advantage on New Zealand's Daniel Hillier in the individual event. Singapore's Joshua Ho was in a group of eight players tied for third place on four-under 68.
Sadom Kaewkanjana was 11th after a 69 while Kosuke Hamamoto and Atiruj Winaicharoenchai were tied 26th after both shot 71.
In the team event, with the top three scores of a four-man team being counted, Thailand shared the top spot with New Zealand on 12-under 204. Taiwan were third on 206, a stroke ahead of South Korea. Japan were fifth on 209.
The biennial tournament has attracted amateur golfers from 23 nations including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal, Fiji, Guam, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan and Thailand.
TRIO TIED ON TOP
Thammanoon Sriroj moved into a share of lead with Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Donlaphat Niyomchon at the two-million-baht Singha-SAT Khao-Yai Championship yesterday.
The trio shot were tied on nine-under 133 after the second round of the Thailand PGA Tour event at the par-71 Khaoyai Golf Club in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Thammanoon shot a bogey-free 65 while Donlaphat and Itthipat Buranatanyarat had a 66 and 67 respectively.
Poonnavich Hirayama (66), Supakrit Rattanakamphol (67), Jedsada Seweewallop (67), Ronnachai Jamnong (67) and Pinyo Piromreun (67) were tied fourth on 135.
