Rhys Davies joint fifth after

first day in Vietnam Masters

at Ho Chi Minh City

PRESS RELEASED BY ASIAN TOUR
Japan’s Kodai Ichihara nailed a steady seven-under-par 65 for a narrow one stroke lead in the opening round at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters on Thursday.
Ichihara, who was the 1999 World Junior champion, blasted nine birdies against two bogeys for the sole lead at the Vietnam Golf and Country Club, Ho Chi Minh City.
Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang shot a hole-in-one on the way to a 66 to lie in a tie for second place alongside Australia’s Scott Barr and Korea’s Pyo Suk-min in the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Thai star Thongchai Jaidee posted a 67 and was in the mix in fifth place together with American Anthony Kang, Young Nam of Korea, India's Digvijay Singh, Filipino Artemio Murakami and Welshman Rhys Davies.
Ichihara, with 12 wins on the mini local circuit, shot his best round on the Asian Tour as a 67 placed him ahead of the field in Ho Chi Minh.
“This is my best score on the Asian Tour. I am really pleased. The last time I led the opening round was at the Philippine Open so this time around, I hope to lead all the way,” said Ichihara, who is ranked 67th on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
“I need to get inside the top-65 to secure my card for next season so with that in mind, it has motivated me to push hard this week. My putting was good and I hope to play equally well tomorrow,” said the 26-year-old Tokyo-based player.
With an accurate shot using an eight iron, Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang recorded a hole-in-one at the par three 13th hole on the way to a 66 in tied second place.
“I told myself that I must at least make the cut. Once I’ve done that, I can focus on a strong result but with a good opening day, I am looking forward to finish well here,” said Wang, with four Asian Tour titles under his belt.
Australia’s Barr regained his confidence this week having posted a solid 66 at the par-72 course.
“I had a poor spell in the last few months so it’s nice to get back on track. I’m feeling confident and hope to keep it steady off the tee which is the key here,” said Barr.
The 23-year-old Pyo will adopt a safe approach after firing a similar score today.
“This is my first Asian Tour event and it’s great. The course condition is good and the standard of the game is very high. I’m surprised to be in such a good position,” admitted Pyo, who turned professional in 2007.
Thongchai was pleased with his opening round performance by firing five birdies on the front nine before a dropped shot and a birdie on the back nine.
"My iron game was really steady today. This is the change I am looking for in my game and it is coming together. I hope to achieve my goal of a win in my next three events so this is a good start.
"I was five under in the first nine holes but the pin positions were quite tricky on the back nine. I kept it in play and I am very pleased," said Thongchai.
Korea’s Young Nam joined Thongchai after a 67 as he is among the players battling to stay in the top-65 on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit for full playing rights next season.
“My score could have been better but I’ll take a 67. I am very pleased with how I played today. I got the momentum going so I hope for a strong finish this week to rise up the ranks,” said Young Nam, who is ranked 81st on the Order of Merit.
Defending champion Chapchai Nirat endured a slow start after a 75 and was in a tie in 90th spot.
FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD

Par 72
65 Kodai Ichihara (JPN)
66 Pyo Suk-min (KOR), Wang Ter-chang (TPE), Scott Barr (AUS)
67 Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Artemio Murakami (PHI), Rhys Davies (WAL), Digvijay Singh (IND), Anthony Kang (USA), Young Nam (KOR)
68 Himmat Rai (IND), Taichiro Kiyota (JPN)
69 Pijit Petchkasem (THA), Park Hyo-Won (KOR), Frankie Minoza (PHI), Sattaya Supupramai (THA), Kim Sang-ki (KOR), Gary Simpson (AUS)
70 Andrew Dodt (AUS), J. B. Park (KOR), Jung Ji-ho (KOR), Stephen Scahill (NZL)
71 Chou Hung-nan (TPE), Choi Gwang-soo (KOR), Kim Nam-kang (KOR), Jason King (AUS), Unho Park (AUS), S. Siva Chandhran (MAS), Mark Mouland (WAL), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Scott Taylor (USA), Baek Seuk-hyun (KOR), Piya Swangarunporn (THA), Dinesh Chand (FIJ), Chawalit Plaphol (THA), Mars Pucay (PHI), Amandeep Johl (IND)