Intro:

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey shoots an opening round 64 to seize the first round lead at the European Tour's True Thailand Classic at the Black Mountain Golf Club on Thursday.

Script:

The European Tour returned to Thailand on Thursday for the opening round of the True Thailand Classic.

And under beautiful conditions at the Black Mountain resort, one of the pre-tournament favourites, Thomas Bjorn almost made a hole-in-one at the par 3, third.

Bjorn carded a 69, 3-under after round one.

That was matched by this man, local favourite Thongchai Jaidee.

He also made birdie at the par 3, third.

To another veteran, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and the highlight for his round was this shot, his second into the par 4, ninth. An eagle two for the Spanish showman who carded a five-under 67.

It was also a 67 for Kiradech Aphibarnrat. He was 7-under after 17 holes, but a double bogey at the 18th proved costly.

American David Lipsky did manage to card a 7-under, this his approach into the par-5 18th setting up birdie.

One shot better than that and the first round leader, Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland. He a set a new course record with an eight-under-par 64.