2007 Bangkok Airways Open - Round 1: Lee leads by two with a 66

Lee Sung of Korea enjoyed his best start this season when he fired a five-under-par 66 for the opening round lead at the Bangkok Airways Open on Thursday.

Lee, who is born deaf, conquered the greens at the challenging par-71 Santiburi Samui Country Club as he holed an eagle, five birdies against two bogeys.

The Seoul-born Lee, who turned pro in 2000, had a two stroke cushion over local veteran Jamnian Chitprasong who carded a 68. Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant shot a 69 in joint third place alongside compatriot Prayad Marksaeng, Yeh Chang-ting and Lin Wen-tang of Chinese Taipei, Filipino Gerald Rosales, Australia’s Adam Blyth, American Anthony Kang and Dutchman Guido Van Der Valk.

With just 24 putts in the opening round, Lee, with the support of his brother and caddie Lee Sung-joo, enjoyed a steady round at the US$300,000 event.

“I had a great day out on course today thanks to some solid putting. This course is very tough and to come out with a solid score in the opening round is very good,” said Lee, who delivered one top-five finish this season at the BMW Asian Open.

With two birdies against a lone bogey, Lee was one-under before firing an eagle at the par five 559 yards ninth hole and extended his lead on the way home with three more birdies against a dropped shot.

“The eagle was great as I struck a great drive and was 213 yards to the pin. I used a four iron to less than nine feet and putted for eagle, so that was a confidence booster. I am quite happy and I will definitely call my dad (Lee Keng-kun). My dad usually caddies for me but he is tired and decided to rest this week,” added the leader.

Jamnian, 48, was pleased to be among the front runners after having missed the cut in his last two attempts in 2005 and 2006. The 48-year-old Thai, with five wins on the domestic circuit, blasted four birdies against one dropped shot as he lurks in second position.

“I missed the cut in my last two attempts here so I am very pleased with my opening round result. I lost my card on the Asian Tour last year but being invited to this event has proven to be a motivating factor for me as I’ve been working really hard to deliver a good performance,” said the Chonburi-born talent.

Thailand’s Thaworn, with eight Asian Tour titles under his belt, was striking it on target as he shot four birdies against two birdies while Prayad, also in tied third place, was disappointed not being able to take advantage of the par-three holes.

“I was good overall but could not close in on the par three holes here. I always end up in the hazard on those holes and it should not be the case as I have been playing in Japan for the past two years. I should be accustomed to the conditions here which are pretty similar to the ones in Japan but my form has been picking up of late so I’m quite happy,” said Prayad, with five wins in Asia.

Chinese Taipei’s Lin was pleased to have kept his game after a 69 that included birdies on the last two holes

“My run this season has not been good so three strokes away from the leader after the first round is a welcome return to my form,” said Lin.

“I’m happy because my driving and approach shot has been very consistent in comparison to previous rounds so hopefully this will mark the start of better things to come this week,” added Lin, who enjoyed his maiden win at his national Open last year.

Thongchai Jaidee was even-par for the day in tied 19th place while defending champion Chawalit Plaphol had a slow start with a 73 in joint 46th position.

Leading first round scores (click here for full leaderboard):

66 - Lee Sung (KOR)

68 - Jamnian Chitprasong (THA)

69 - Prayad Marksaeng (THA), Anthony Kang (USA), Thaworn Wiratchant (THA)

Yeh Chang-ting (TPE), Guido Van Der Valk (NLD), Lin Wen-tang (TPE), Adam Blyth (AUS), Gerald Rosales (PHI)

70 - Taichiro Kiyota (JPN), Chris Rodgers (ENG)

Yasin Ali (ENG), Chen Yuan-chi (TPE), Shimizu Yoichi (JPN), Yoshinobu Tsukada (JPN), Tony Lascuna (PHI), Richard Moir (AUS)

71 - Mark Brown (NZL), Simon Yates (SCO), Ben Leong (MAS), Gavin Flint (AUS)

S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND), Neven Basic (AUS), Han Lee (USA), Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Lu Wen-teh (TPE), Stephen Scahill (NZL), Jerome Delariarte (PHI)

72 - Ari Savolainen (FIN), Ross Bain (SCO), Rashid Ismail (MAS), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Mike Cunning (USA), Park Jun-won (KOR), Panuwat Muenlek (THA), Gaurav Ghei (IND), Marciano Pucay (PHI), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Chinarat Phadungsil (THA), Olle Nordberg (SWE), Prom Meesawat (THA), Iain Steel (MAS), Nakul Vichitryutthasastr (THA), Atthaphon Prathummanee (THA)

June 7, 2007

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