2007 Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open - Round 1: Yang takes the lead with Vijay just one behind

Defending champion Yang Yong-eun took the opening round lead after a six-under-par 65 with Fiji’s Vijay Singh a stroke behind at the Kolon-Hana Bank Korea Open on Thursday.

Yang, with two wins on the Asian Tour last season, blasted seven birdies against a lone bogey under tough playing conditions at the Woo Jeong Hills Country Club. With a blemish free 66, Singh lurked a stroke behind Yang while local young gun Kim Kyung-tae was in a tie for third position after a 67 alongside Kang Kyung-nam, David Oh and Kim Hyung-sung.

India’s Amandeep Johl, Lee Sung of Korea, Kim Wi-joong and Kim Sang-ki were in joint seventh spot after carding similar 69s. China’s Liang Wen-chong, who is the Asian Tour’s UBS Order of Merit leader, together with Filipino Gerald Rosales, Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, Rahil Gangjee of India, and Australian trio of Marcus Both, Adam Groom and Kane Webber were among those in tied 11th position five strokes adrift after firing matching 70s.

Yang, who defeated a starry field that included Tiger Woods to win the HSBC Champions last year, was pleased to be back on home soil since his last visit a year back when he lifted the title on similar ground. Yang was two under after nine holes but four birdies on the way home gave him a narrow one stroke lead over the tight field.

“The last time I was back here for competitive golf was when I won this event last year so I’m glad to be back home,” said the 35-year-old Yang.

“I wasn’t thinking about the lead but was focused at getting back on track with my game. After the HSBC Champions, I had a challenging time playing in Europe and United States trying to adjust to the conditions there so coming back here has definitely boosted my confidence. Vijay is just a stroke back and there are many good players out there so I hope to continue my solid putting heading into the second round tomorrow,” he added.

Singh, who is ranked 12th on the world ranking, enjoyed a steady round with five birdies as he hopes to stay on target and challenge Yang for the top spot heading into the second round. Starting on the back nine, Sigh shot four birdies before closing in with a final birdie on the eighth hole.

“I was playing with Yang and Kim and they both kept the ball in play and made a lot of putts. I played well and was steady out there but I hope to hit it closer to the pins tomorrow.

“There are a lot more players picking up the game and a lot more talent, and the depth of the game has improved here. I am pleased to return to Korea after 10 years and I hope to continue my good result in Asia,” said Singh, with 31 wins on the US PGA Tour.

After enjoying his maiden win on the Asian Tour in May, the 21-year-old Kim hopes to emulate Singh’s opening round performance for an improved run in the second round.

“I shot five birdies against one bogey today and I am really happy with my opening day result. I was studying Vijay’s game today and I’m glad I did it as he shot a solid score, something I hope to emulate when I head into the second round tomorrow,” said Kim.

India’s Johl, who injured his right wrist this year, was happy to be back on the Asian Tour playing in his first event in the second half of the season as he shot a 69 in joint seventh spot.

“My wrist was in a cast for five weeks since the end of June and then I underwent seven weeks of rehab. It feels good to be playing competitive golf again after so long. My doctor told me to take two to three more weeks off but I couldn’t stay at home doing nothing anymore.

“I had a great tip from Vijay during the practice round on Tuesday and it really helped me produce a solid round today,” said Johl.

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

65 - Yang Yong-eun (KOR)

66 - Vijay Singh (FIJ)

67 - Kim Kyung-tae (KOR), Kang Kyung-nam (KOR), Kim Hyung-sung (KOR), David Oh (USA)

69 - Kim Wi-joong (KOR), Kim Sang-ki (KOR), Lee Sung (KOR), Amandeep Johl (IND)

70 - Marcus Both (AUS), Park Jae-bum (KOR), Adam Groom (AUS), Gerald Rosales (PHI), Liang Wen-chong (CHN), Kane Webber (AUS), Park Do-kyu (KOR), Choi Gwang-soo (KOR), Lee Gun-hee (KOR), Rahil Gangjee (IND), Chapchai Nirat (THA), 71 - Kim Dae-sub (KOR), Jeon Yun-cheol [A] (KOR), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Lee Boo-young (KOR), Mo Joong-kyung (KOR), Juvic Pagunsan (PHI), Hwang Sung-ha (KOR), Anthony Kang (USA), Simon Yates (SCO, Kim Chang-yoon (KOR)

October 4, 2007

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