Wizard from Oz David leads with
seven-under 64 in Macau Open

Australia’s David Gleeson blasted seven birdies on the way to a one-stroke lead in the opening round at the Macau Open today.
Gleeson, who is playing in his 20th event on the Asian Tour this week, fired a seven-under-par 64 for a one stroke advantage over Thai duo of Wisut Artjanawat and Udorn Duangdecha and Chinese Taipei brothers Lin Wen-tang and Lin Wen-hong who were all in a tie for second place at the Macau Golf and Country Club.
In-form Australian Darren Beck, who finished runner-up at the Hero Honda Indian Open two weeks ago, carded a 66 to lie in joint sixth place in the US$500,000 Asian Tour event together with Chinese Taipei veteran Wang Ter-chang and compatriot Kao Bo-song, Welshman Rhys Davies and Thailand’s Wittawat Sae-ung.
Playing under calm conditions in the opening round, Gleeson was pleased to find his rhythm this week.
“It was a good start for me. I didn’t make the putts but I stayed patient out there which was the key. I kept my rhythm going throughout the day and fired seven birdies without dropping a single shot which was nice. When I play like this, I expect the scores to go down even lower. It wasn’t fireworks out there but just a normal day of golf,” said Gleeson, who won the 2002 Volvo China Open.
“This is my 20th event on the Asian Tour. I had no idea what I was doing in the first 10 events. I was more composed after that patch and decided to compete in more tournaments to secure my card for next year.
“My goal is to win by as many shots as I can but if it doesn’t work out that way, I will still go at it. I will adopt an aggressive approach here unless the weather makes a difference,” he added.
With a new driver in his bag, Udorn nailed an eagle coupled with four birdies for a 65 as he trails Gleeson by a stroke.
“I’ve changed to a new Taylormade driver this week and it was fantastic. I’ve reached the fairway on every hole and I was really steady. I am now confident with my driver and I hope to stay in the leading fray,” said the 38-year-old Chiang Mai-based player.
After a top-10 performance at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last month, compatriot Wisut enjoyed a bogey free round with six birdies today.
“I’ve been with my new coach Shane Wilding and he has been instrumental in changing my swing. I am much more consistent now and in my first week with him, I finished in the top five at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
“That is great and I’m very happy with my performance at the moment. My putting was solid and I enjoyed a good finish with birdies in the last two holes,” said the 26-year-old Wisut.
Wen-tang, who won the Asian Tour International in March, took advantage of the calm conditions in the early morning for a solid 65.
“There was hardly any wind out there in the morning and I could have gone one better but I missed a seven foot birdie putt on the last hole. But it’s alright as I am quite pleased with where I am after the first day,” said Wen-tang, who is ranked seventh on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit.
Defending champion Lu Wen-teh posted a 70 and was in a tie for 47th place.
FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
Par 71
64 David Gleeson (Aus).
65 Wisut Artjanawat (Tha), Lin Wen-tang (Tpe), Udorn Duangdecha (Tha)
Lin Wen-hong (Tpe)
66 Wang Ter-chang (Tpe), Darren Beck (Aus), Kao Bo-song (Tpe), Wittawat Sae-Ung (Tha), Rhys Davies (Wal)
67 Hsu Mong-nan (Tpe), Danny Chia (Mas), Unho Park (Aus), Thaworn Wiratchant (Tha), Jason King (Aus), Rahil Gangjee (Ind), Tony Carolan (Aus), Mars Pucay (Phi), Richard Moir (Aus), Atthaphon Prathummanee (Tha)
68 Kevin Chun (NZ), Jason Knutzon (US), Adam Blyth (Aus), Angelo Que (Phi), Ronnachai Jamnong (Tha), Chen Yuan-chi (Tpe), Anirban Lahiri (Ind), Andrew Dodt (Aus), Lu Wei-chih (Tpe), Nakul Vichitryuthasastr (Tha)