Japan's Yuki Inamori stole the thunder from a strong field with a birdie blitz on Thursday, firing a seven-under-par 64 for a one stroke lead after the first round of the Dunlop Phoenix tournament.
Aided by a red-hot putter, the 20-year-old carded nine birdies against two bogeys to reach the clubhouse with a narrow advantage over Australia's Brendan Jones in Miyazaki, western Japan.
"I made some big putts and that's always important to give you momentum," said Inamori, who hails from nearby Kagoshima prefecture and is chasing his first career win.
"It's a great start to the tournament and puts me in a nice position."
The Dunlop Phoenix boasts an illustrious roll-call of former winners, including Tiger Woods (2004-05), Tom Watson (1980, 1997) and Seve Ballesteros (1977, 1981).
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama, who recorded his maiden victory on the US PGA Tour at the Memorial Tournament earlier this year, shot a 68 while domestic rival Ryo Ishikawa ended the day on even par 71.
But old-timer Tommy Nakajima, winner of the title back in 1985, upstaged the young guns, as the 60-year-old rolled back the years with a solid round of 67.
American Jordan Spieth, who finished joint runner-up to Bubba Watson at this year's US Masters, fired a 69 along with Australians David Smail and Kurt Barnes. They were joined one two-under by South Korea's Lee Kyoung-hoon.
Source: AFP
