Danthai trails leading trio by two at Hong Kong Open

HONG KONG: Thailand’s Danthai Boonma stayed two shots behind first round leaders England’s Aaron Rai, Yusaku Miyazato of Japan and Australia’s Jason Scrivener after he signed for an opening three-under-par 67 at the Hong Kong Open yesterday.

Danthai was tied seventh with Thomas Aiken of South Africa while India’s Arjun Atwal, England’s Jack Singh Brar and American Micah Lauren Shin shared fourth place on four-under 66 at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

Danthai, who had four birdies yesterday, remained at four under until he slipped up at the last hole where he finished with a bogey five.

Rai’s 13th hole eagle was the highlight of his round which also included three birdies. Scrivener was also blemish free with five birdies, four on the back nine while Miyazato had six birdies and a bogey.

Atwal took the clubhouse lead in the morning but was dislodged from the top of the leaderboard when the trio made their moves under more favourable weather conditions in the afternoon.

Australia’s Sam Brazel,who won the Hong Kong Openin 2016, was also inthe mix after carding a68 where the only blemishon hiscard came atthe par-three eight where he suffered a bogey-four.

Brazel is bunched in tied-ninth place that also includes Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, India’s Khalin Joshi and compatriot Scott Hend, who also won the event in 2014.

Major winner Patrick Reed of the United States meanwhile had a round to forget after opening his campaign with a disappointing 75 while Spain’s Sergio Garcia signed for a 70 to stay five shots back of the leaders.