May 17, 2018: Andrew Martin of Australia opened with a six-under-par 66 to lead a top-heavy leaderboard at the ongoing Asia-Pacific Classic.
The 33-year-old, who made the mark at the Qualifying School this year, had a near flawless round. He carded seven birdies against just a lone bogey to lead the tournament by one shot after the morning session at the St Andrews Golf Club.
Nine golfers share second place on 67. The list of players includes Honey Baisoya of India, Liu Yanwei of China and Koh Deng Shan of Singapore.
Baisoya finished his opening round brilliantly after turning in 36. He shot six birdies and a lone bogey to close with five-under-par 67. He made five birdies over his back nine, including four straight birdies from holes 12 to 15.
Other Indian golfer Chikkarangappa.S, also played a good round of golf to remain with par finish at the end of first round. He made two birdies and equal number of bogeys to score par-72.
Local favourite Liu is on track to win his maiden Asian Tour victory. Despite hitting just nine fairways, he is only one shot off the current lead at the tournament, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the China Golf Association (CGA).
Koh has been accurate with his drives and approach shots. He hit 12 out of 14 fairways as well as 16 out of 18 greens, carding a 67 to stay in contention.
Callum Tarren is the highest-ranked player on the leaderboard from the China Tour after the morning rounds. The Englishman is also in tied-second.
Asian Tour Release
