PETALING JAYA: Thailand’s Sattaya Supupramai’s carefree approach saw him seize the early intiative in the opening round of the RM250,000 PGM Sabah Championship.
The 30-year-old carded six birdies against one bogey for a five-under 67 for a one-shot lead on Wednesday and signal his intention to win the Asian Development Tour (ADT) event at the Sabah Golf and Country Club in Kota Kinabalu.
He is trailed by compatriots Pasamet Pogamnerd and Pijit Petchkasem and Sweden’s Nils Floren.
Sattaya, who claimed his maiden triumph at the ICTSI Mount Malarayat Classic in the Philippines last year, is glad that his “carefree approach” worked wonders for him in the opening round.
“I told myself to be patient ... I didn’t play with any pressure,” said Sattaya, who earned three top-10 finishes this season.
“I just played it shot by shot and accepted whatever came. I think that helped my game ... now I can stay focused and not think about anything else.”
National no.1 Nicholas Fung, whose game was marred by six bogeys, failed to thrill his hometown fans as he carded a three-over 75 to share 45th spot alongside Ben Leong, who won the PGM I&P Championship two weeks ago.
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