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Strange leads after sparkling round at Thai Country Club

Australian Scott Strange grabbed the first round lead at the Volvo Masters of Asia with a sparkling seven-under-par 65 yesterday as Order of Merit leader Liang Wen-chong of China struggled to find his touch.

Strange was in irrepressible mood at the Thai Country Club, sinking eight birdies against a lone bogey to open up a two-shot lead over Filipino veteran Frankie Minoza and Thailand's Prayad Marksaeng.

Title holder Thongchai Jaidee began his defense with a battling 70.

His compatriot Chapchai Nirat and Liang, who are in a straight fight for the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit crown in this week's season finale, carded a 71 and 72 respectively.

The big-hitting Chapchai, second in the money race, needs a victory to have any chance of toppling Liang in the chase to end the year as Asia's number one.

But the limelight belonged to Strange.

"It's a good start. I played pretty good all day, hit a lot of fairways and greens," said the 30-year-old Australian.

"The rough is lower than normal but the greens are quick enough and hard enough to pose a problem. You can't really stop a wedge shot. It's running out 15 or 20m," Strange said.

He turned in 32 with five birdies against a lone bogey before ramming home three more birdies on the 10th, 13th and 14th holes.

Minoza, 48, gave himself a shot at improving on last year's runner-up finish to Thongchai with a card that included six birdies, including a chip-in on the demanding 18th hole.

The Filipino star is also hoping to muster enough energy to finish his year in style.

"I am happy but tired -- it is a good start. This is my eighth tournament in a row which is a lot for a 48-year-old," he said.

Chapchai endured some anxious moments after his round of 71. He summoned the rules officials as he thought he may have infringed the rules on the 10th hole but was cleared of any wrong-doing.

"I do not want to think about the Order of Merit," he said.

"I have already surpassed my expectations by moving up to second -- my goal his year was a top 10 finish," he said.

Liang headed straight out to the practice green after wielding a cold putter, with his woes compounded by a three-putt bogey at the last.

"My putting was average. I missed a few two three-footers which was disappointing," the Chinese ace said.

"If the pins are tough, then it'll be tough to score. However, I'm hitting the ball good. So I just need to sort out the putting," he said.
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