Korea's Han Storms Into Lead After Morning Session

Korea’s Han Chang-won has made the first move for the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship title, recording a six-under 66 on the first day of the landmark event to take the clubhouse lead after morning play.

Han, the individual champion at the Nomura Cup (Asia-Pacific Amateur Golf Team Championship) last month, showed his quality when he opened round one with three consecutive birdies.

Said the 18-year-old: “I was able to make birdies on the first three holes and then the fifth, which really got my confidence going. I was able to make two more birdies on the back nine with no bogeys, so I knew I was putting together a really good score.

“I led in the Nomura Cup earlier this year, so I knew I was playing well and was looking forward to coming to China. I came into this event with no specific expectations. I just wanted to play well and aim to win,” he added.

Playing alongside China’s Hu Mu and Hong Kong’s Steven Lam in a showcase of the diverse range of young amateur talent in Asia Pacific golf, Han is one in front of the Philippines’ Mhark Fernando, who posted 67 on Missions Hills’ World Cup Course in the morning session.

The leading duo are part of a field of 116 players from 30 Asia Pacific Golf Confederation member countries competing in southern China, approximately 90 minutes north of Hong Kong.

In addition to the trip to the 2010 Masters Tournament, both the winner and the runner(s)-up will earn a place in International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship being played next year at St Andrews.

More than 150 countries will see television coverage of the Asian Amateur Championship, with programming that includes two hours of event exposure during the third and final rounds. In addition, 30-minute highlight shows will follow the first, second and final rounds.