Englishman Ben Jones seized the first-round lead at the Asian Development Tour's penultimate Toyota Tour Championship with a stellar six-under-par 66 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club.
The tournament, co-sanctioned with Malaysia’s domestic Toyota Tour, saw Jones produce an eagle, five birdies, and just one bogey, giving him a one-stroke advantage over four players tied at five-under-par.
Jones, starting on the 10th hole, opened with back-to-back birdies and followed with seven straight pars to record a 34 on his front nine. Gaining momentum after the turn, he eagled and birdied the 1st and 2nd holes and finished with a birdie-birdie-bogey stretch.
"Having the patience out there today really helped, especially after an almost frustrating seven holes of hitting good shots and not converting the birdies," Jones said.
"The eagle felt like a little reward for my patience and gave me the confidence boost I needed heading into the last eight holes," he added.
Among the quartet tied for second, Malaysia’s Daeng Abdul Rahman leads the local contingent following the conclusion of the round. Sharing the spot with him are Thailand’s Tanapat Pichaikool, Thammasack Bouahom of Laos, and Indonesia’s Rory Hie.
"Except for being cautious on the greens, I was hitting it well today and didn’t make many mistakes," said Daeng, who notched six birdies against one bogey.
"With how firm and fast the greens are, the plan will be to hit fairways and greens and give myself opportunities."
Six players sit a stroke further back at four-under-par, including Malaysians Kim Leunkwang and Edven Ying, who are part of the top ten.
Meanwhile, Malaysian number one professional Gavin Green endured a challenging day, carding a two-over-par 74. His rollercoaster round included an eagle, a birdie, two bogeys, and a costly triple bogey.
"Just because I’m a lot better than what this course is," Green said of his performance. "It’s something I’m personally disappointed about. But that’s part of the game, and I have to turn it around tomorrow."
Leading Round One Scores
66 (-6) Ben Jones (ENG)
67 (-5) Daeng Abdul Rahman (MAS), Tanapat Pichaikool (THA), Thammasack Bouahom (LAO), Rory Hie (INA)
68 (-4) Pukhraj Singh Gill (IND), Leunkwng Kim (MAS), Filip Lundell (SWE), Waris Manthorn (THA), Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA), Edven Ying (MAS)
