O'Malley takes pole at BMW Asian Open

SHANGHAI: Australian veteran Peter O'Malley snatched the first round lead at the BMW Asian Open yesterday as in-form Indian star Jeev Milkha Singh headed the chasing pack at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

O'Malley, searching for a first victory in three years, sank six birdies against a lone bogey for a 5-under-par 67, one clear of Singh, Sweden's Henrik Stenson, Mikko Ilonen of Finland and England's Oliver Wilson.

Scott Hend of Australia was a further stroke back after enduring a late double bogey for a 69, while Australian golf legend Greg Norman battled to a 71. Zhang Lianwei carried China's challenge with a fine 70 for a share of seventh place with, amongst others, Danny Chia of Malaysia and New Zealand's Richard Lee.

On a tight Tomson course, the 42-year-old O'Malley used his renowned straight-hitting game to great effect and capped his day in style by sinking a 13.7 m birdie putt on the sixth hole, his 15th of the round after starting from the 10th hole.

"I played really well. I haven't played a lot recently and had six weeks off after India. I played last week in Beijing and missed the cut but didn't think the game was far away. My iron play was great as well and I couldn't find any fault with that," O'Malley said.

With seven career victories under his belt, but his last triumph being the 2005 New Zealand PGA Championship, O'Malley plans to put the shade on some of the world's best players gathered in Shanghai. He likes the Tomson course, finishing tied 15th and equal eighth at the last two editions of the BMW Asian Open.

India's Singh, the 2006 Asian Tour No 1, wielded a hot putter as he overcame some rust in his swing by taking only 23 putts on the greens. Fresh from his best Major finish at the Masters Tournament where he tied for 25th place two weeks ago, he put together five birdies against a lone dropped shot.

"I didn't hit the ball good today but my putting was excellent. Last week was an off week for me and I didn't practice much and it showed. However, I would prefer good putting to ball striking on any day. It's a good feeling when you can get the ball into the hole. Yesterday, I putted a lot as I was trying to get the speed in my hands," Singh said.

World No 13 Stenson lived up to his top billing with a six-birdie round, giving himself a chance of redemption following a play-off loss at the 2006 BMW Asian Open.

Veteran Zhang Lianwei endured two three-putt bogeys in his round of 70 but was pleased with his start.

The 53-year-old Norman, who has scaled down his playing schedule to focus on his thriving global business, which includes golf course designs, apparels and wine, swapped three birdies against two bogeys and lamented poor concentration for the dropped shots.

Also at 71 with Norman is China's No 1 and last year's Asian Order of Merit winner Liang Wenchong .

China Daily

(China Daily 04/25/2008 page24)