Cool Gunn and Ding strike first at Macao

Thailand's Gunn Charoenkul, helped by a touch of inspiration from PGA Tour star Tom Kim, and Ding Wenyi from China, made fine starts at the US$1 million Macao Open yesterday — taking a share of the lead following first-round seven-under-par 63s.

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They are in front by a shot from Germany's Dominic Foos and Australian Jack Thompson, on 64s, at the Macau Golf & Country Club — in the 22nd staging of the Asian Tour event.

Korean Im Sung Jae, Thailand's Sarit Suwannarut, Indian Pukhraj Singh Gill, as well as Ye Wocheng and Bobby Bai from China are a stroke further back following 65s.

Gunn's round was impeccable: he was bogey-free, made an eagle, and recorded five birdies.

He finished second here last year, and after an indifferent season to date, he got the motivation he needed by going on social media yesterday morning.

"Very happy with today. Started the day by stumbling on a clip on Instagram from Tom Kim," said the 33-year-old, who is looking for his first victory on the Asian Tour, having finished runner-up four times.