SERI KEMBANGAN: Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond and India's Veer Ahlawat set the early pace in the first round of the IRS Prima Malaysian Open today.
The duo both carded nine-under 62 to share the top spot on the leaderboard under mixed conditions – hot and overcast – at The Mines Resort and Golf Club.
Veer managed 10 birdies, but bogeyed on the 18th, while Jazz eagled the 11th hole and birdied seven others.
Jazz said he had worked hard on improving his game in recent months and it was starting to pay dividends.
"Really good start to the week and the year, as well. A good long break seems to have done me some good. I got a lot of rest and played some golf.
"I went to Korea to work with a new coach at BFG Korea – a golf school – and it did me a lot of good. Head coach there is Si Woo Lee.
"I have just been working on getting my balance back and was with them for three weeks.
"I just want to be teeing up and feeling confident. I want to be in contention, I don't like fighting to make the cuts. I don't like being left behind and not playing for anything.
"To be on the golf course is good, but I would rather be on the golf course and playing well, that is my goal. On the 11th hole today, I putted from off the green for the eagle."
Canadian Richard T. Lee is in third, just a shot behind the duo, while home crowd favourites Gavin Green and Khavish Varadan are tied-fourth on seven-under 64.
Lee Chieh-Po (Taiwan), Justin Quiban (Philippines), John Caitlin (United States), Danthai Boonma (Thailand), Kevin Yuan (Australia), Steve Lewton (England) and Park Lion (South Korea) are tied-sixth on six-under 65.
American Trevor Simsby, who won the Malaysian Open when it was last held in 2020, ended the opening day tied-99th on an even-par 71.
In addition to the US$1 million (RM4.78 million) prize purse, there is much more at stake for the players at the Malaysian Open.
The three leading finishers this weekend, who are not already exempted before the closing date for entries of The Open, will qualify to play in the tournament, which will be held at Royal Troon on July 14 to 21.