SUZHOU, China (AP) — Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Kim Do-hoon of South Korea each shot an 8-under 64 Thursday to share the lead after the first round of the China Open.
Thongchai overcame an elbow injury that forced him to withdraw from the Masters to shoot a bogey-free round.
He said he felt he “played very solid after a week off.”
The 21-year-old Kim recorded eight birdies and an eagle to go with two bogeys, as he and Thongchai opened up a two-shot lead. A trio that included Jamie Donaldson of Wales were tied for third.
Thongchai played in the same group as both Ryder Cup captains, Corey Pavin and Colin Montgomerie. Pavin shot a bogey-free 67, while Montgomerie finished at even-par 72 after an inconsistent round that included six birdies and two double bogeys.
