Japan's Oda in 1 shot lead at Thai Open

Japan's Koumei Oda hit 11 birdies for an eight-under-par 64 Thursday, gaining a one-shot lead in the opening round of the $1 million Thailand Open. Oda, a five-time winner on the Japan Tour, parred the first and then went on a six-hole birdie blitz at the Thana City Golf & Sports Club before bogeying the eighth and making the turn at 31. He then struck five birdies, offset by a double bogey on the 15th, for one of the best rounds of his career. Six players shared second place at the OneAsia tournament, co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO). "I have had 10 birdies before, but not 11," said Oda, 34, according to a release from the event organisers. "The secret is I putted very well -- just 26 putts for the round." South Koreans Hwang Jung-gon and Cho Min-gyu, friends who train together on the Japan Tour, set the pace for the day in strong style. Hwang, just 19 and already a two-time winner in Japan, birdied the first four holes and got three more on the back for a bogey-free round. "It was very hot, but I was patient and made no big mistakes. Bogey free is always good," he said. Cho, 24, had eight birdies and a bogey. "I managed to hit my tee shots very well and it is important to be on the fairway here if you want to make birdies," he said. SCORES after Round 1 64 - Koumei Oda (JPN) 65 - Hwang Jung-gon (KOR), Cho Min-gyu (KOR), Lucas Lee (BRA), David McKenzie (AUS), John Young Kim (USA), Matthew Griffin (AUS) 66 - Scott Strange (AUS), Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Simon Yates (SCO) From: AFP