Alex Cejka produced a flawless opening round to sit one-stroke clear at the summit of the Thailand Golf Championship on Thursday, while Australian Marcus Fraser is five shots off the pace.
The German sunk eight birdies as he produced an eight-under-par 64 at the Amata Spring Country Club. British world number four Justin Rose, who grabbed an early first-round lead, ended the day alongside local favourite Arnond Vongvanij at seven under. Indonesia Open winner Gaganjeet Bhullar is a further shot back after carding a round of 66. Swede Daniel Chopra and Indian Sujjan Singh both fired 67's to share fifth position at five under overall. Defending champion Charl Schwartzel endured a mix day on the green, recording six birdies and two birdies to finish the day on four under. Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Singapore's Mardan Mamat are also four shots off the lead. Fraser is Australia's best hope heading into Friday's second round after shooting a three-under-par 69. The 35-year-old is in a five-way tie with Thai pair Thammanoon Sriroj and Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Philippines' Angelo Que and Masahiro Kawamura of Japan. Meanwhile, Australian's Wade Ormsby and Marcus Both are both one under at the end of round one, with compatriots Andrew Dodt and Matthew Stieger a stroke further back.