Photo by: ASIAN TOUR

Rhys Davies of Wales plays a shot on the first day of the Cambodian Open at the Phokeethra Country Club in Siem Reap. The Asian Tour event wraps up Sunday.

SIEM REAP - Wales' Rhys Davies carded an opening eight-under-par 64 to take the first-round lead at the US$300,000 Cambodian Open.  

Two-time Asian Tour winner Anthony Kang of the United States finished Thursday a further shot back on 65 while Indonesia's Rory Hidayat posted a 66 to take third place. Thailand's Chawalit Plaphol is in fourth place on 67.

Thais Thongchai Jaidee and Thaworn Wiratchant, Australian Gavin Flint, Malaysia's Airil Rizman and Korea's Park Jae-bum are bunched together in fifth on matching 68s.

Davies came agonisingly close to his maiden win on the Asian Tour last week when he lost in a play-off to Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee at the Hana Bank Vietnam Masters.

But with the strong start that he made Thursday, when he recorded nine birdies against a single bogey, the Welsh rookie is hoping that it will be his turn to be rewarded this week.

"I played really well today. I just went out there, got very focused, hit a lot of good shots and was rewarded with a low score today," he said. "It's a new week, great start, and I hope it continues." 

Meanwhile, Kang who is seeking to end his Asian Tour title drought since 2001, also impressed by firing eight birdies against a lone bogey to finish closely behind Davies at the Phokeethra Country Club.

"I'm really happy with my iron shots, my distance control, and I hope it continues for the next three days," said Kang.

Defending champion Bryan Saltus of the United States began his defence with a 72 to end the day tied for 43rd place.

REPORTING BY THE ASIAN TOUR