MANILA,Philippines - Angelo Que blitzed the Linkou International Golf and Country Club course with a seven-birdie binge for a 65 and a one-stroke lead over India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and American Jason Knutzon in Taipei yesterday.
Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner seeking an end to a two-year title drought, frolicked in one of the early tee-offs and fired four birdies at the back then sustained his form with three more birdies at the front to find himself a bewildered leader in the $500,000 event of the Asian Tour.
Bhullar also made a bogey-free round of 66 which Knutzon matched in one of late afternoon flights while Lin Wen-tang posted a 67 for fourth followed by India’s Anirban Lahiri, who had a 68.
The 33-year-old Que always felt that he would get ahead of himself each time he played well.
“Normally when I start well, I feel that I may find ways to mess it up coming in. Somehow I trusted myself today and committed every shot, as well as commit to what my plan was, which is to keep the ball in play and so far, I’ve managed to pull that off,” said Que.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, Que got off the blocks quickly with two birdies in his opening three holes.
He birdied the 16th and 18th holes to reach the turn in 32. Que continued to seize control with further birdies on the third and fourth holes before his seventh birdie on the seven hole gave him the outright lead.
“At one point, I didn’t know how many under I was at and didn’t really care about my scores. I just kept going and concentrate in playing,” said Que.
I haven’t been in this position for a while. It’s been two years. Hopefully I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and stay committed to what I’m doing,” added Que.
Despite playing at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club for the first time, Bhullar showed that he could sign for a score worthy of any seasoned professionals.
“This is my first time playing here. Trust me, I’m falling in love with the course layout. The greens kind of remind me back home, in India where I practised,” said the two-time Asian Tour winner.
Like Que, Bhullar also enjoyed a flawless round which was highlighted by an eagle on the par-five first and four birdies. Bhullar believes his aggression on the course will set him up well for the rest of the week.
“I’m an aggressive player and I’ve been striking the ball very well. I’m also really feeling very comfortable around the greens,” said Bhullar
“I would love to continue this form for the next three days and would be glad enough if I can win the trophy on Sunday,” added the Indian.
Lin, who had Emmet Hsu, Chairman of the Yeangder Group follow him in his opening round, was upbeat about his chances.
While acknowledging that a win this week would be the best birthday present he can give Hsu-who celebrated his birthday yesterday, Lin is happy to rediscover his winning form that led him to five Asian Tour titles.
“My boss Emmet was following me throughout the first two holes and I managed to get two birdies there. So that tells you a lot about the influence he has over me,” said Lin.
“A win would definitely make both Emmet and I very proud and I’m glad that I’m playing well again,” added Lin.