McDowell was not the only in-form Northern Irish golfer during the first round, with teenager Rory McIlroy out on his own in fourth place after shooting a 67.
Meanwhile, India’s Jeev Milkha Singh was one of several players one shot further back of the 19-year-old.
■ASEAN TOUR
AFP, LIPA CITY, PHILIPPINES
Filipino Angelo Que fired an impressive six-under par 66 yesterday to take the lead after the third round of the Mount Malarayat Championship.
Thailand’s Atthaphon Prathummanee also carded a 66 to lie one stroke behind Que, while his compatriot Wisut Artjanawat, joint leader at the start of the day, shot a 70 and is three off the pace.
The Mount Malarayat Championship is the third leg of the season on the 10-event ASEAN Tour and Que was hoping for victory after two runner-up finishes.
“It hasn’t been too frustrating finishing second twice. I have been playing well and that is the main thing. In the first two events, obviously, a couple of guys have played a bit better. Only Tiger Woods can win every event he plays in,” said Que, who leads on 13-under 203.
Atthaphon played a bogey-free round that was highlighted by five birdies on the outward half.
Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, 18, equaled the course record with a 65 and is five behind Que, while defending champion Mars Pucay from the Philippines fell back with a disappointing 75. He began the day sharing the lead, but is now eight adrift of the leader.
RSS