By Adriano Flores

ANTONIO Lascuna kept ball in play throughout the day to maintain his momentum on his way to a seven-under-par 65, even as Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat zoomed into the lead with a 10-under-par 62 at the start of the SAIL Open in India.

Lascuna’s steady irons and putting served him well as he moved in a very excellent position to nail his first Asian Tour crown this season. The 39-year-old star was happy with the result, but he also knows that this was just the first round.

“It was a great feeling,” said Lacuna. “I have been constantly checking my swing as I search for my old, perfect swing. I hope to sustain this kind of shotmaking for four rounds because consistency has not been on my side for months now.”

Certainly, the $300,000 SAIL Open could be Lascuna’s ticket to greatness again. Last year, he enjoyed a steady season as he posted three Top 10 finishes at the Philippine Open, Bangkok Airways Open and Mercuries Taiwan Masters.

Compatriot Artemio Murakami, one of the pre-tournament favorites, and Mars Pucay were not far behind with a five-under-par 67 each. Jerome Delariarte carded a one-under-par 71 but was in danger of missing the cut.

Chaphai, the big-hitter from Thailand, made the best of ideal playing conditions to shoot a course-record 10-under-par 62.

The 25-year-old Chapchai, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, sank 10 birdies at the Classic Golf Resort to lead by three strokes from Lascuna, countryman Wisut Artjanawat, Filipino Antonio Lascuna, Singaporean Mardan Mamat and New Zealand’s Mark Purser.

Needing only 26 putts, the man nicknamed “King Kong” for his long driving ability chipped in for birdie on the 17th hole and nailed a four iron tee shot to one foot of the flag on the 11th. He sank five birdies on either side of the turn after starting the day from the 10th tee.