A Change of Guard

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Friday 20 November 2009

Gleeson takes first-day lead in Cambodia

David Gleeson

The Sydney Morning Herald
AFP

Australia's David Gleeson broke away from a bunched leaderboard to take the first-round lead at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open on Thursday.

Gleeson, a two-time Asian Tour winner, shot a five-under-par 67 to lead by one shot in the $US300,000 ($A322,684) event.

Filipino Artemio Murakami, Taiwan's Lin Wen-hong, Malaysian Khor Kheng Hwai and Thai trio Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Annop Tangkamolprasert and Atthaphon Prathummanee share second place at the Phokeethra Country Club.

India's Shiv Kapur shot a 70, which included an eagle and three birdies.

Gleeson turned in 35 with birdies on the second and fifth holes, but dropped a shot on the ninth.

He continued with further birdies on 10, 13 and 15, but it was the 20-foot birdie conversion at the closing hole which distinguished his round.

"The 18th hole is one of the strong holes here so I am quite surprised I was able to sink that putt," he said.

"It was one of those that fell in the last minute. I didn't know it was going in but it is definitely good to move away from the rest."

The former Australian amateur champion has managed only one top-10 finish so far this season and was delighted to hit form early.

Murakami, winner of the 2007 Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia, also showed a welcome return to form after missing three consecutive cuts.

The Filipino, who is battling to save his Tour card, credited his putting which helped him to a flawless round marked by four birdies.

The bubbly Filipino is currently in 77th position on the rankings and needs to break into the top-65, with two more events remaining on the Asian Tour.

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