Ben leads the pack after eight-birdie blitz
KUALA LUMPUR: Ben Leong birdied five of his last nine holes to take a commanding three-shot lead in the first round of the CIMB National Championship at the TPC Kuala Lumpur’s West Course.
The tournament rewards the champion with RM30,000 and a coveted spot in the CIMB Classic, which will be held at the same venue from Oct 12-15.
The 31-year-old Ben, who won the 2015 edition when it was known as the SapuraKencana National Classic, fired eight birdies against one bogey for a seven-under 65 yesterday.
Veteran Danny Chia and Mohd Zur’ie Harun carded identical four-under 68s.
Rookie professional Amir Nazrin Jailani impressed with 69 to be joint fourth with one-time Asian Development Tour (ADT) winner Wilson Choo.
Defending champion and national No. 1 Gavin Kyle Green could only return an even par-72 to share 11th spot.
Ben is determined to make amends for missing out on his second CIMB Classic start after losing to Gavin in the playoff last year.
“It’s always nice to be back in familiar territory. The course is in great shape, the greens and fairways are really good and I putted really well,” said Ben, winner of eight PGM Tour titles.
“The eight birdies that I made were between eight and 15 feet, so my iron play was pretty good. The longest one I made was from 20 feet. I hope to keep it going for the next few rounds. It will mean a lot to qualify for the CIMB Classic.”
Danny, who won the qualifier in 2012 and 2014, made birdies on the first, fourth, sixth, 10th and 16th holes. His lone bogey came on the third hole after he drove the ball out of bounds.