K.J Choi from South Korea took up the lead at the UBS Hong Kong Open golf on Thursday, firing an eight-under-par first round of 62.
The world number 12 lived up to his billing as favorite for the 2.25-million-U.S.-dollar tournament with nine birdies including five in succession from the 12th.
A bogey at the ninth was the only blemish in an otherwise flawless display that left him one shot ahead of Welshman Garry Houston, who had eight birdies and a bogey in his 63.
"I started to get my rhythm back on the 10th hole and I just felt very comfortable going into the back nine," the 37-year-old Choi said.
"On the 12th I had a birdie and from that point on I felt really good about my putting."
Choi has had a breakthrough year, winning twice in the United States, but after shooting Thursday's low score he admitted that nothing will please him more than victory in Hong Kong.
On a day of low scoring Sweden's Robert Karlsson and Fredrik Andersson Hed hit matching rounds of 64 to set the early clubhouse target before Choi's back-nine surge propelled him up the leaderboard.
South Korea's Kang Wook-soon, the last Asian winner of this tournament, enjoyed a good day, hitting a 65.
Australia's Scott Strange and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Chapchai Norat are one shot further adrift.
Source: Xinhua
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