International Reaction
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Former champion Marcus Fraser and Nacho Elvira turned in 7-under-par 65s for a corner lead of a Maybank Championship after a opening turn on Thursday.
A shot behind were Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, Angelo Que of a Philippines, and Matthias Schwab of Austria. Thomas Pieters of Belgium was dual shots behind on 67 after he eagled a par-5 initial hole.
Fraser won a initial eventuality in 2016, his third and final European Tour victory, and by his possess acknowledgment a Australian has turn a ”part-time” player. But he was in excellent form in wet conditions during Saujana Golf and Country Club with 8 birdies and a bogey.
”[Golf] doesn’t meant as most as it used to,” Fraser said. ”When you’ve got that mindset it substantially helps. we was some-more astounded than anyone going out there and sharpened 7 under.”
Full-field scores from Maybank Championship
By coincidence, Elvira’s solitary spook was on a same hole as Fraser’s, a 14th. Elvira is entrance off a tie for second during a Qatar Masters.
Que was on lane to be a first-round personality after he cashed in 9 birdies in his opening 11 holes, though a Filipino’s burning start was hampered by double bogeys on holes 15 and 16.
”I suspicion we was forgetful when we got to 9 underneath after 11 holes,” Que said. ”You try not to consider too most and get forward of yourself by ignoring it and keep playing.”
Schwab, seeking a initial veteran win, was agreeably astounded to find himself high adult a leaderboard.
”I went into a day not awaiting a whole lot, only going shot by shot, and it incited out to be a 66 that we am happy about,” Schwab said. ”It’s my initial time here, a greens are unequivocally good.”
Four-time vital winner Ernie Els was during 4 under, and three-time vital leader Padraig Harrington, creation his common debate start in Malaysia, was during 2 under.
Article source: https://www.golfchannel.com/news/part-time-player-shares-lead-malaysia-ernie-els-three-back
