HONG KONG — Asian Tour common Phachara Khongwatmai upstaged early starters Cameron Smith and Bae Sang-Moon with a scorching 10-birdie 63 to take a one-shot lead on the midway stage of the Hong Kong Open on Friday.
The 22-year-old Thai bagged 4 birdies on the way in which out and 6 on the again 9 which, blended with three bogeys, despatched him prime of the leaderboard on 12-under-par for the match.
Australian Smith backed up his opening 63 with a four-under 66 to share second place with South Korean Bae (63), who gained twice on the U.S. PGA Tour earlier than two years of nationwide army service interrupted his profession.
“Early alarm this morning, the physique fairly wasn’t working,” mentioned Smith, who gained his first main finally yr’s British Open.
“It was a bit scrappy to be sincere, it was good to get out of there three or 4 underneath par. Hopefully I can maintain bettering.”
Bae made an excellent begin on the composite Fanling course, birdying the second gap earlier than developing with an eagle on the par-five third.
“It was actually good,” mentioned the 37-year-old, who pulled out this week’s PGA Tour occasion in Bermuda to return to Asia and play.
“I am looking for my recreation, the placing’s good, the iron shot’s good so I am actually wanting ahead to enjoying this weekend.”
Former main champions Graeme McDowell and Patrick Reed, who each carded 65s, remained in contact at 4 and 5 photographs off the tempo respectively.
Australian Wade Ormsby, who gained the match for the second time when it was final performed practically 4 years in the past earlier than a COVID-enforced hiatus, missed the reduce after taking pictures a one-over 71.
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