Volvo Masters of Malaysia
Kota Permai Golf & Country Club
Malaysia
13th - 16th August 1998

First Round Report

First Round Scores

Ruangkit looking to add to record

Golf Today News Services

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 13th August, 1998 - Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit, looking to extend his record number of titles on the Omega Tour, took the lead in the first round of the rain affected $200,000 Volvo Masters of Malaysia.

The 42-year-old, unable to complete his round due to a three and a half hour rain delay, was in a strong position at six under for the tournament with two holes to play and leads by a stroke from clubhouse leader Zaw Moe of Myanmar.

Moe carded a five-under-par 67 at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club to finish one ahead of Australian Adrian Percey and Felix Casas of the Philippines, both in with 68s.

"I have not won for a long time but I am playing well now and want to win something this year," said Boonchu. The Thai player last triumphed in the London Myanmar Open in April, 1997, and is the only player to have won four titles on Tour.

Boonchu failed to drop a shot over the 16 holes he played. He started his round on the back nine making birdies on 12, 14, and 18. On the front side he birdied the first, second and fourth holes.

"The golf course is in very good condition. I feel comfortable playing it and feel like I can shoot a low score. The field this week is very strong so winning will be difficult," added Boonchu.

The man who treats par-5s like par-4s, big-hitting Moe, took the clubhouse lead after ripping his 3-iron second shot onto the green at the 532-yard par-5 18th and two putting from 20 feet.

"I got going after the first three holes. I was pushing the ball at the start but managed to quickly straighten out my shots," said the 31-year-old, who defends his Ericsson Singapore Open title next week.

"The rain delay did not bother me too much. You get used to these things." Japan PGA Tour regular Moe, was forced to pull out of an event last week in Japan because his son was ill at home in Singapore. "He was suffering from a stomach upset. He is much better now and here this week."

Percey showed that he had recovered from the disappointment of being disqualified from last week's Sabah Masters. The Australian led after the first round in Sabah but was disqualified when he realised that he had signed his scorecard after unintentionally taking an illegal buggy ride on the course.

"I was not thinking about it today," said Percey. "I am just playing well at the moment and was able to pick up today where I left off in Sabah. For a couple of days after it happened last week I kept thinking to myself what an idiot I was," said Percey.

A total of 57 players could not complete their rounds and will return to finish off early tomorrow morning.