Japanese steals thunder at Apo

Japanese Atsushi Ueda capitalized on an early tee time and near-ideal conditions to fire an impressive two-under-par 70, grabbing a one-stroke lead over five others in the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic here on Tuesday a sizzling start that stood in stark contrast to the flat performances of the fancied local aces.

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Playing in the day's opening flight, Ueda still riding high from a career-best third place finish at Del Monte navigated the famously punishing layout with poise and precision. He carded five birdies to offset a bogey and a double bogey on the par-4 No. 15, where he hit a tree and found water.