Martin Simonsen and Sami Välimäki carded eight under par rounds of 64 to share the lead after the first round of the Thailand Classic.
On a low-scoring day at Amata Spring Country Club, the pair made the most of calmer afternoon conditions after the morning groups were buffeted by wind as they moved one stroke clear at the top of the leaderboard.
Välimäki, seeking a second DP World Tour victory three years after his breakthrough win at the 2020 Oman Open, made a fast start with birdies on his opening three holes, going on to make the turn five under par. He closed his round with three further gains on the 11th, 12th and 15th holes, finishing the day bogey-free.
Denmark’s Simonsen was four under par through nine holes but started the back nine with a birdie and an eagle, also birdieing the 15th and 16th holes to draw level with the Finn.
They are one stroke ahead of the German pair of Alexander Knappe and Yannik Paul, who carded seven under par rounds of 65.
One stroke further back on six under par are 2016 Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello, South African Thriston Lawrence, Frenchman Robin Sciot-Siegrist and Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay.
Player Quotes
Martin Simonsen: “It’s a great day. I thought it was going to be difficult out there with the wind, and it was. But thankfully I played the par fives really well, which helped. It was great. With the wind today, most of them were downwind, so that helped a lot, but you still have to hit the shots. I made it fairly easy for myself on the par fives, that’s the key this week I think.
“It’s a little bit with the distances, it’s going further because of the heat but when you take the wind into account it’s tricky. So it’s a lot of calculating and hoping for the best.”
Sami Välimäki: “A really good round. I started nicely and kept it going the whole day. I just kept playing and when I started hitting the ball really well, it just made it easy. I was putting really good the whole time and when I got chances I tried to make them.
“(My win) was a long time ago. I changed coach last year in the middle of the year. After that I’ve played better and better. I had some issues with my body last year but now I’m healthy and playing good.”
Alexander Knappe: “I holed many putts and played solid. Had a good day with my caddie, so it was an enjoyable day.
“I had a good little wedge shot on the first, making birdie, and my second shot on the par five on 11 it hit the bank and stopped quickly. So that was a good opportunity and I took it. Another good wedge shot close to the pin, it was a hot start. I thought I could keep it going, but I’m still pleased with the round.”
Yannik Paul: “I chipped in on two, that was really helpful, and on seven holed a pretty long putt from the fringe. Those are the bonus ones, but you take them when you get them. I probably had the best eagle look on 11 but it slipped by. Overall, a solid day.
“It was pretty windy, so that helped cool us down a bit. Yesterday it rained, but on Monday and Tuesday I thought it was even hotter than Singapore. I’m glad we are able to wear shorts this week. I think we’re all enjoying it out here and I can’t wait to start again tomorrow.”
