Golf: Davies grabs opening lead in Cambodian Open

SIEM REAP, Cambodia: Welshman Rhys Davies carded an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday to take the first round lead in the 300,000-dollar Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open and promised to make amends for last week's heartbreak.

Two-time Asian Tour winner Anthony Kang of the United States was a shot further back on 65 while Indonesia's Rory Hidayat posted a 66 to take third place. Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol was in fourth place on 67.

Compatriot Thongchai Jaidee, Thaworn Wiratchant together with Australia's Gavin Flint, Malaysia's Airil Rizman and Korea's Park Jae-bum are bunched together in fifth on matching 68s.

Davies came agonisingly close to his maiden win on the Asian Tour last week when he lost in a play-off to Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters.

But after his strong start Thursday, with nine birdies against a single bogey, the Welsh rookie is hoping it will be his turn to be rewarded this week.

"I played really well today. I just went out there, got very focus, hit a lot of good shots and was rewarded with a low score today," said Davies.

"Last week was a great week too. But I can't dwell over one little shot which I couldn't control and missed in the play-off. It's a new week, great start and I hope it continues," he added.

Meanwhile, Kang who is seeking to end his Asian Tour title drought since 2001, also impressed by firing eight birdies against a lone bogey to finish a shot behind Davies at the Phokeethra Country Club.

"I'm really happy with my iron shots, my distance control and I hope it continues for the next three days. I've two more events left for the year and I hope to end it well," said Kang.

Thailand's Chawalit also bolstered his chances of winning his third Asian Tour title after grabbing the early morning lead.

"I'm quite pleased with how I've played today. If there's any aspect of my game which I can credit to, it'll be my putting and tee shots," said Chawalit.

Defending champion Bryan Saltus of the United States began his defence with a 72 to end the day in tied-43rd place.

Leading first round scores:

64 - Rhys Davies (WAL)
65 - Anthony Kang (USA)
66 - Rory Hidayat (INA)
67 - Chawalit Plaphol (THA)
68 - Thaworn Wiratchant (THA),Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Gavin Flint (AUS), Airil Rizman (MAS), Park Jae-Bum (KOR)