Asian Tour - First day highlights of CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia
The first round of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, which took place at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, wrapped up with an American in the lead. Ricky Barnes notched the top spot on the leader board
by carding eight birdies in a bogey-free round of 63.
All odds were against the outsiders; the weather was humid and hot and the course was a surprise. Despite that, the top two spots were taken by Americans. Barnes was followed by his compatriot; Ryan Moore. The
player went against all odds and carded seven birdies in the blemish-free round.
On the third place was a European tour player, Brian Davis. He shared the spot with a Swede Carl Pettersson and Korean Charlie Wi. The trio shot 65 to seize this spot.
The 29-year-old leader gave an outstanding performance on the par-71 course; He had 17 Green Hits in Regulation and eight magnificent birdies. Barnes has a stellar amateur career with a victory at the US Amateur Championship and
a second place finish at 2009 US Open. He was also a part of the American team that won the Amateur World Team championship for the Eisenhower Trophy in 2002. Barnes has been looking for a second victory on the PGA tour after the CVS Caremark Charity Classic
2010, although he finished 10th at the Masters Tournament in April of this year.
Barnes seemed pleased with his putting, his skill was quite evident from the way he rolled a putt from 20 or 25 feet right into the hole. While speaking to the press, Barnes spoke about his prior visit to Malaysia and said that
he remembered the heat; therefore, this time he was prepared for the worst. He said, “I remember the heat from Malaysia! I had to fuel up before going out there and it felt good. I felt kind of hot after about nine holes but I was prepared with the weather.
I have good memories in Malaysia and it is really good to be back."
Further below were three players at a score of 66; Pariya Junhasavasdikul, Thongchai Jaidee and Mardan Mamat. The trio at 66 was chased by the two highest ranked golfers, world number eight Luke Donald and number 11th
Ernie Els. Both the players picked up 67 to secure the fifth spot of the event, which is a joint venture of the Asian Tour, US PGA Tours and PGA Malaysia.
Moore, who flew seven birdies on the Mines Resort and Golf Club is winless on 2010 PGA tour. To end the dry spell, he made his way to Malaysia on Friday to adapt to the time and weather changes so that he could get into the action.
Speaking to the press Moore said, "For me, this is my last chance to get a win and finish off the year the way I want to. It was a good season. I feel like it was better than last year and last year I had a win. That's what I'm
coming here for. It's my last tournament of the year. The greens rolled good and you can give yourself good birdie chances. It gives you a chance to make 20, 25 footers."
Charlie Wi, who resides in the United States has won twice in Malaysia. The player birdied his last two holes to grab the third place. According to him, the formula to chase a victory was staying close to the leader and this is
what he did.
That's it for the first round of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, which is staged at the Mines Resort and Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur. The results were against the predictions, as noone expected that the Americans would take charge
of the leader board towards winning the event, which is carrying a purse of $ 6 million.
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