Dazzling Prayad is leader in North

Prom Meesawat hits a shot during his round of 66 in the Chiang Mai Golf Classic.

Compatriot Prom snaps at his heels in Chiang Mai Classic

Prayad Marksaeng fired a dazzling 65 to grab a one-stroke lead over countryman Prom Meesawat on a humid day in the US$750,000 Chiang Mai Golf Classic at the Alpine Golf Resort yesterday.

Prayad, winner of the Thailand Open two weeks ago at the Thana City Golf Sports Club, sank eight birdies, five straight from holes 5 to 9, against a lone bogey on the 12th to steal the show in the inaugural tournament in the northern city.

"It was a good start but I could have kept my score lower had I putted better. There are a lot of slopes and the lines are a bit tricky to read. But I'm feeling better than what I felt during the Thailand Open," said the Thai veteran.

A stroke behind was Prom. The "Big Dolphin" shot six birdies, five of them on the front nine for an immaculate 66 which placed him joint second along with China's rising star Mu Hu. He is joint second with Jonathan Moore of the US.

"I started well with five birdies at the front nine and hit another birdie on the back. I hit my irons quite well but I didn't drive as well as I did in my previous tournaments. Some of the fairways are quite wide but I still managed to hit my approach shots near the pins and made some good putts," said the 28-year-old Hua Hin-based player.

After winning his maiden Asian Tour trophy in the SK Telecom Open in South Korea in 2006, Prom has savoured victory since despite putting himself in contention on many occasions.

"I don't want to keep my hopes too high. I started well in several tournaments this year, hitting a 65 in Myanmar, 68 in India and 68 in Malaysia. But it depends a lot on who plays the best that particular week. If it's your week, what you hit and do will just go right. Everyone entering in a tournament wants to win. I just have to keep up with the good work," said Prom who has shed almost 10 kilos, which he said had helped his game.

"Being on the tour I've got to see a lot of good players and I'm inspired to be like them. So I focus more on my fitness and it has paid dividends. I just hope I get more time to work on my fitness - the tour schedule is tight," said the 28-year-old, who plans to play fewer tournaments on the Asian Tour to focus on the European and Japan Tour.

Pawin Ingkhapradit, a former protege of Boonchu Ruangkit, carded six birdies against a lone bogey on the 13th for a 67.

"I'm very happy. I hit a lot of fairways and greens. I putted very well. I only had one three putt [on 13] so that was good. Six birdies on this golf course is very good."

South Africa's Ernie Els started with a 69. The four time Grand Slam champion opened a golf clinic for youngsters after his round.

"The course is wonderful. It's in unbelievable, great shape. [I was] trying to really squeeze a lot out there today but I didn't quite happen. Made three birdies and no bogeys. It was quite a comfortable round. I feel there's a good round out there and I'll keep searching," said the former Major champion.

Another former champion, Michael Campbell, started in disastrous form, firing an 84 which placed him bottom of the standings.

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Source: http://www.news.thethailandlinks.com/2013/03/29/dazzling-prayad-is-leader-in-north/