Hong Kong, November 15:

South Korea’s KJ Choi stormed into the lead at the UBS Hong Kong Open on Thursday, firing an eight-under-par first round of 62 to take a slender advantage over a star-studded field.

The world number 12 lived up to his billing as favourite for the $2.25 million tournament with nine birdies, including five in succession from the 12th. A bogey at the ninth was the only blemish in an otherwise flawless display that left him one shot ahead of Welshman Garry Houston, who had eight birdies and a bogey in his 63.

Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and Fredrik Andersson Hed are one shot further back. Their matching 64s set the early clubhouse target before Choi’s back nine surge propelled him up the leaderboard. South Korea’s Kang Wook-soon, the last Asian winner of this tournament, hit a 65, as did Spain Miguel Angel Jimenez and Scotland’s Barry Hume.

Australia’s Scott Strange and Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Chapchai Norat were one shot further adrift. Thongchai, who was playing with Karlsson, matched the Swede for most of the day but two bogeys in the last three holes saw him slip back. The event is being played over the par 70 course at Hong Kong Golf Club.