April 26 (Reuters) – In-form Frenchman Victor Dubuisson
fired a four-under 68 to take the first-round lead at the
Ballantine’s Championship as swirling winds made scoring tough
in Seoul on Thursday.
The 22-year-old compiled eight birdies in a mixed round at
the $2.2 million European and Asian Tour event to move two
strokes clear of a group of five players including former Ryder
Cup player Paul Casey.
Dubuisson, who finished tied fourth at last week’s China
Open, took 26 putts on Thursday as he chased his first
professional title.
“Very pleased with four under today,” he said. “My putting
was really good and I think it’s the only way to achieve good
scoring in these conditions.”
Dubuisson’s card was marred by a double-bogey six on the
fourth and bogeys on the 10th and 16th but he did not let those
blemishes upset him.
“On the third hole the wind was from the left and so on the
fourth tee I thought the wind was going to be left to right but
the wind was turning all the time. It turned right to left and
it went into the water,” the Frenchman said of his tee shot.
“I was not really upset after that because I didn’t hit a
bad shot. I did my best to get my concentration back and I made
two birdies with good putts on five and six.”
Englishman Casey, who has dropped to 45th in the world
rankings after missing a lot of golf because of a shoulder
problem, was optimistic about his chances of an overdue victory.
“I know if I play the golf I’m capable of then I’ve got a
very good chance to win,” he said. “The way I played today, I
need to keep that form going.”
Continued…
