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Bransdon and Luiten lead after first round in Indonesia

14/02/2008

David Bransdon and Joost Luiten share the lead at the Indonesian Open after they overcame tough conditions to finish six-under-par.

Bransdon hit seven birdies and one bogey in the first round of the event at the Cengkareng Golf Club to finish on a score of 64.

The Australian, who is a regular feature on the Asian circuit, cited his four birdies in a row as the single factor behind his near-flawless performance in the heavy wind and rain.

While Dutchman Luiten managed eight birdies, his early good work was offset by bogeys on the 14th and 18th holes.

"It was quite tough with the wind but my putter was pretty hot," he said afterwards.

"I just hit a lot of greens and fairways and gave myself a lot of birdie opportunities."

Among the 42 players who managed a complete round before officials brought the day to a close due to deteriorating conditions were Britain's Philip Golding and Kyron Sullivan, who both ended the day one stroke off the lead.

Also on five-under-par were the Argentinean Juan Abbate and Felipe Aguilar of Chile, while Asian golf was well represented at the top of the leaderboard with Thai Prayad Marksaeng, Indian Jeev Milkha Singh and Chinese Liang Wenchong all set to go into the next round just behind the leaders.

Last year's Indonesian Open champion Mikko Ilonen of Finland finished the opening day of play with a score of 66, with Europe's Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley finishing on 68.