2007 Philippine Open - Round 1: Six share first day lead in Manila

The Chinese number one enjoyed a top-10 finish in Qatar last week as he continued his fine form with four birdies at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club. He was tied at the top alongside American and former winner Anthony Kang, who won the title back in 1999, compatriot Jason Knutzon and Chinese Taipei’s Wang Ter-chang.

Carito Villaroman and amateur Jay Bayron brought cheers to the local fans as they ended their rounds alongside the pace setters on 68 in the US$300,000 event.

“I had a good round today and I’m quite happy with my form,” said Liang.

“I missed the green in regulation in only three holes today and managed to keep in on the fairway so I’m glad to have a consistent round throughout,” he added.

Liang, who looks up to one of China’s most respected golfers Zhang Lian-wei, was on target of the tee firing three birdies at the third, fourth and eighth holes and with a fourth birdie on the 12th, Liang remained composed as he closed in with six straight pars.

“My tee shot is crucial here as I need to keep in on the fairway and my approach shot is equally as crucial. The greens here are quite tricky so I have to be cautious too,” said Liang.

Kang, the Birdie Leader winner on the Asian Tour last year, scored six birdies against two dropped shots as he is keen for a strong showing this week.

“I won here in 1999 and it’s always nice to be back here in the Philippines. Each time I return, it’s a different experience as I always try to produce a good result here,” said the Korean-born American.

Local hero Villaroman was pleased to be in the leading fray as he carded eight birdies against two bogeys and a double bogey.

“I have played in the Philippine Open many times before but this is the first time I am in the lead so I am quite excited,” said Villaroman.

It was similar for Bayron, who is playing in his fourth Philippine Open, as he holed a 20 footer at the par five fourth hole which was the highlight for the 27-year-old amateur. Bayron’s best finish was a tied 16th place in the 2004 edition.

A stroke adrift the leading pack were Australian duo of Jarrod Moseley and David Bransdon, Digvijay Singh of India, Korean young gun Park Jun-won, and Thai stalwart Prayad Marksaeng.

After blasting five birdies, Prayad was on course for a blemish free round but two late bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes pushed him down to joint seventh spot.

“I had a pretty solid round until I struck back-to-back bogeys in the last two holes. But I am quite satisfied with my game. I will focus on better approach shots when I go out tomorrow, so it is going to be quite exciting,” said Prayad.

Leading round one scores (par 72)

68 - Jason Knutzon (USA), Jay Bayron [A] (PHI), Anthony Kang (USA), Wang Ter-Chang (TPE), Liang Wen-chong (CHN), Carito Villaroman (PHI)

69 - Prayad Marksaeng (THA), Park Jun-won (KOR), Jarrod Moseley (AUS), David Bransdon (AUS), Digvijay Singh (IND)

70 - Taichiro Kiyota (JPN), Olle Nordberg (SWE), Lin Chien-Bing (TPE), Gurbaaz Mann (IND), Han Lee (KOR)

71 - Kwanchai Tannin (THA), Guido Van Der Valk (NLD), Artemio Murakami (PHI), Bryan Saltus (USA), Benjie Magada (PHI), Sung Mao-chang (TPE), Clay Devers (USA), Neven Basic (AUS), Kao Bo-song (TPE), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Rick Gibson (CAN)

72 - Michael Bibat [A] (PHI), Elmer Salvador (PHI), Panuwat Muenlek (THA), Richard Sinfuego (PHI), Chen Tze-chung (TPE), Lu Wen-teh (TPE), Lin Keng-chi (TPE), Adam Le Vesconte (AUS), Chan Song (KOR), Shigemasa Higaki (JPN), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Chang Tse-peng (TPE), Gavin Flint (AUS), Marciano Pucay (PHI), Soe Kyaw Naing (MYN), Rowan Beste (AUS), Mark Bro (NZL)

February 1, 2007

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