Reitan and Tabuena set pace at Super 6

Pair shoot opening round 65s to share lead at innovative event

Norway’s Kristoffer Reitan and Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines carded opening rounds of 65 to share the lead after day one of the ISPS Handa World Super 6.

After starting from the 10th at Lake Karrinyup in Perth, Tabuena birdied his first seven holes and picked up another shot on the 18th to race to the turn in just 28 shots.

The 24-year-old also birdied the first but could not maintain such a blistering pace and dropped shots on the fifth and ninth to finish seven under par alongside Reitan, who carded eight birdies and a bogey.

“My alarm was 3.30 in the morning but it paid off and I’m pretty happy with my position,” Tabuena said.

“I love coming to Perth and it feels like home. The weather’s similar, the courses are similar and it’s great to be back.

“I tried to keep it (his score) in the back of my head but it caught up to me on the third and fourth hole. I started to force some stuff, which I shouldn’t have, and it cost me.”

Reitan came through all three stages of the European Tour’s qualifying school as an amateur last year. The world number 1,890 is playing just his fifth event since turning professional.

The 20-year-old said: “Last year I qualified for the US Open and qualified for the European Tour through Q-School, so it’s something maybe with the qualifying mindset that I enjoy.

“Even if I play really bad I’m trying to learn something and if I play well it might be because I’ve learned something.

“So, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can from every tournament and try to unlock my best golf.”

England’s Richard McEvoy and New Zealand’s Benjamin Campbell lie two shots off the lead in the innovative event, which features 54 holes of traditional strokeplay before the top 24 players compete in a six-hole knockout match-play format on Sunday.

Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey was part of a six-strong group on four under par following a 68.

Aberdeen’s David Law, fresh from his maiden tour victory at the Handa Vic Open in Australia last weekend, carded a two-under 70, while Drumoig’s Connor Syme is three shots further back.

David Drysdale carded a 76 while Richie Ramsay and Ewan Ferguson are five over.