2007 Hana Bank Vietnam Masters - Round 1: Rominger leads as Ryder Cup stars struggle

Switzerland’s Martin Rominger withstood challenging conditions at the inaugural Hana Bank Vietnam Masters to grab a one-stroke lead in the opening round on Thursday.

Rominger sank an eagle and five birdies against a lone bogey for a six-under-par 66 at the Hanoi Phoenix Golf Resort for a flying start to the US$500,000 Asian Tour tournament.

Lin Wen-hong of Chinese Taipei had one of his best rounds of his career when battled to a 67 to claim second position.

Malaysia’s Iain Steel was amongst those in a share of third place following a 68 and he was bunched with Korea’s Mo Joong-kyung, Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat and Boonchu Ruangkit, Chinese Taipei’s Chang Tse-peng and Jason King of Australia

“Everything went quite well. I put many shots on the fairway and I was also able to hit many shots very close to the pins. Overall, I’m very happy,” said Rominger whose highlight of the day was an eagle on the 12th hole.

Lin was surprised to be amongst the early pacesetters and credited his good start to his long drives and putting. “My putting has been very consistent and I managed to sink a couple of putts,” said a delighted Lin.

Malaysia’s Steel tackled the challenging par-72 course by reeling in five birdies for a 68 while Mo of Korea had to survive two bogeys on the back nine to card a similar 68.

“All in all, it has been a very solid day. The first couple of holes, I couldn’t really make the putts but when I started reading the course and the putts, my game just got better and better,” said Steel who is aiming to win his first Asian Tour title .

Mo, who has endured a quiet season after hurting his wrist earlier in the year, believes that the tide has changed in his favour and is ready to hit top form at the Hana Bank Vietnam Mastersweek.

“I hurt my wrist earlier in the year and it was unfortunate that I wasn’t able to play to my full potential. Since I recovered, I’ve been playing tournaments just to make the cuts, and this is not really good for your confidence,” said Mo.

“However, my confidence is back and I’m all ready to end this week on a high.”

Ryder Cup star David Howell of England had a disappointing start to his campaign when he carded a 78.

“I hit the ball terribly today. Three bad drives really got me into a lot of trouble. I need to play better if I’m going to be here for the weekend,” said Howell.

Irishman Paul McGinley had a slightly better day with a 74 but he was lurking one shot outside the project halfway cut line.

Nine players have yet to complete their rounds today and will resume play tomorrow morning.

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

66 - Martin Rominger (SUI)
67 - Lin Wen-Hong (TPE)
68 - Iain Steel (MAS), Mo Joong-Kyung (KOR), Jason King (AUS), Chapchai Nirat (THA), Boonchu Ruangkit (THA), Chang Tse-Peng (TPE)
69 - Hendrik Buhrmann (RSA), Thammanoon Srirot (THA), S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND), Chris Rodgers (ENG), Rahil Gangjee (IND), Gary Rusnak (USA), Gurbaaz Mann (IND), Han Lee (USA)
70 - Simon Yates (SCO), Angelo Que (PHI), Mitchell Brown (AUS), Peter Karmis (RSA), Zaw Moe (MYN)
71 - Prom Meesawat (THA), Charlie Wi (KOR), Kwanchai Tannin (THA), Chawalit Plaphol (THA), Digvijay Singh (IND), Sung Mao-Chang (TPE)
72 - Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Airil Rizman (MAS), Mars Pucay (PHI), Mike Cunning (USA), Yasin Ali (ENG), Olle Nordberg (SWE), Young Nam (KOR), Mardan Mamat (SIN), Muhammad Munir (PAK), Lu Wei-Lan (TPE), Lam Chih Bing (SIN), Clay Devers (USA), Wisut Artjanawat (THA)

November 22, 2007

Bookmark page with:

Return to Top of Page