Hua Hin: Filipino Miguel Tabuena and Dodge Kemmer from the United States enjoyed a brilliant start to the International Series Thailand yesterday, carding eight-under-par 64s to take the lead on day one.
The duo lead from Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Jazz Janewattananond who fired 65s at the par-72 Black Mountain Golf Club in Hua Hin.
Hong Kong's Taichi Kho, American Turk Pettit, Andrew Dodt from Australia, Korean Kim Bi-O and Thailand's Nitithorn Thippong, Danthai Boonma, Ekpharit Wu, and Settee Prakongvech, all came in with 66s.
The US$2 million event is the fifth of the season on the Asian Tour, and third International Series tournament.
Last year Tabuena endured an uncharacteristically poor season and barely retained his Tour card. The top 70 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit kept their cards and Tabuena finished 70th, exactly $71.89 ahead of none other than Kemmer, in 71st position.
But he has returned with a vengeance this year and finished in the top 15 in his last two events on Tour, the International Series tournaments in Oman and Qatar.
"It is a bit of a long story, I didn't play too well last year," said the 28-year-old.
"I had some time off, but I was lucky enough to keep my card by about 50 dollars, I was the last person to get in, and I told myself that is never going to happen again.
"I worked really hard during the off season, and I guess it is showing a bit. I finished 13th in Oman and top 10 in Qatar. The game has been there, even back home. I am just glad it's coming together."
He made four birdies on each nine including one on the final hole.
Kemmer made up for not keeping his card via the Merit list by earning it through a top-10 finish on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) Order of Merit. "Kind of a slow start, got a lot of chances and took a while to figure out the greens," said Kemmer, who played the back nine in six-under-par 30 which included a three putt for par on 18.
The American's good season on the ADT was highlighted by victory in the Gurugram Classic in India in April.
As expected Kiradech, looking for his first win in five years, has made a strong start.
"Opening round, one stroke behind, seven under, always great to start that way," said Kiradech, who missed a 20-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18th having hit a brilliant second shot using his three wood 300 yards.