Japan's Kodai Ichihara fired himself into contention for one of the four places on offer at this year's Open Championship through International Final Qualifying Asia with an opening round of 65 in Bangkok.
Ichihara blitzed the front nine at Amata Spring, picking up five birdies in the first eight holes and two more coming back to finish seven under par and one shot ahead of Shiv Kapur, Siddikur Rahman and Lee Sung-man.
"My putting was very, very good," the 28 year old said.
"I holed out a lot of putts from ten to 20 feet and when I was in trouble on three occasions my putting saved me. It's my first competitive round of the year and I feel relaxed."
Rising Bangladesh star Siddikur confirmed his burgeoning reputation as three consecutive birdies from the ninth set the platform for the 26 year old to shoot a bogey-free 66.
A dropped stroke at the 16th cost Kapur a share of the lead as the Indian also signed for a round of six under to finish alongside Siddikur and Korean Lee.
However, the quartet face a battle over the final round to clinch a spot at Royal St George's this July as a further 11 players - including Englishman Miles Tunnicliff, who carded a four under 68 - are all within three shots of Ichihara.
