Pattaya: Thailand's Natipong Srithong stole the show on the opening day of the Singha Pattaya Open today after shooting a seven-under-par 63.
He cruised around the Burapha Golf Club layout nailing eight birdies and dropping just one shot, in the third event of the season on the Asean PGA Tour.
He leads by a stroke from Jazz Janewattananond, Udorn Duangdecha, the winner here in 2010, and Nattawat Suvajanak.
Chawalit Plaphol and Thitiphun Chuayprakong are tied for fifth are carding 65s.
Natipong, 22, is another emerging young golfer from Thailand.
In 2015 he turned professional and won his first Asian Tour title at the Resorts World Manila Masters.
He had enjoyed a stellar amateur career winning gold medals in the team and individual events at the 2015 Southeast Asia Games in Singapore.
The young gun recorded four birdies on each half with his sole blemish being at bogey on 10.
Prom Meesawat, winner of this event in 2011 and 2012, came in with a 66 and was tied seventh alongside Panuphol Pittayarat, Raththee Sirithanakunsak, Idtiphat Silasuwan and Settee Prakongvech.
Veteran star Prayad Marksaeng, bidding to win his third successive Pattaya Open, started poorly with a 74.