Thailand's Chapchai Nirat seized control in the opening round of the Saudi Open, securing a two-shot lead with a stellar seven-under 64 at Riyadh Golf Club. Commencing on the back nine, the 40-year-old golfer notched an eagle and seven birdies, navigating the challenging conditions marked by strong winds. Despite facing two bogeys, Nirat expressed happiness with his performance, emphasizing the importance of keeping tee shots on the fairway. This promising start positions Nirat for a potential victory, aiming for his first Asian Tour title since 2014.
Fellow Thai golfer and amateur talent, Ratchanon Chantananuwat, and Mexico's Luis Carrera share the second spot, both carding impressive five-under rounds. At just 16 years old, Chantananuwat, who studies at Stanford, delivered a flawless performance with a round devoid of blemishes. Celebrating with his father, who also serves as his caddie, on the 18th green, the young golfer expressed delight at playing good golf, particularly relishing the challenges posed by the wind, which added an extra layer of intrigue to the competition.
The Saudi Open, boasting a $1 million prize fund, serves as the culmination of the Asian Tour season, and Nirat's commanding lead sets the stage for an exciting tournament, with aspiring talents and seasoned golfers competing for top honors.
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