LUANG PRABANG, LAOS : Thailand's Namchok Tantipokhakul rediscovered his form by taking a share of the first-round lead at the Luang Prabang Laos Open yesterday.
Namchok Tantipokhakul
He carded a four-under-par 68 along with compatriot Sutijet Kooratanapisan at Luang Prabang Golf Club with Udorn Duangdecha, another Thai, a stroke further back in the third event of the season on the Asean PGA Tour.
Namchok, 25, first made his name on the Aseab PGA Tour when he claimed the Order of Merit title back in 2009 but has since failed to live up to expectations.
"Good to be in front again. I finished eighth here last year and I like the course. My confidence is coming back and a good result here this week will be important to me," said Namchok.
"My game is fine. I just need a couple of good results to get going this year."
Sutijet, also 25, started his round on the back nine and was on course for the outright lead at five under with three to play but bogeyed the eighth.
"There are a lot of good Thai players here so it means a lot to be in the lead. It is good experience," said Sutijet.
Thailand's Kwanchai Tannin, winner of last week's Singha Pattaya Open, carded a 73 along with compatriots Wisut Artjanawat and Thanyakon Khrongpha.
LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES
(Thai unless stated)
68 _ Sutijet Kooratanapisan, Namchok Tantipokhakul
69 _Udorn Duangdecha
70 _ Ariya Sawangsri, Ronnachai Jamnong
71 _- Chirat Jirasuwan, Pavit Tangkamolprasert, Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS), Sattaya Supupramai, Supravee Phatam, Borworn Chaisri
72 _ Pol Kemmarat, Chawinroj Krobteeranon, Ratchapol Juntavara