Home stars Lin, Hung take lead in Taiwan's Yeangder tournament

Taiwan hopeful Lin Wen-tang fired a sizzling five-under-par 67 to share the opening round lead with countryman Hung Chun-kang Thursday at the $500,000 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship. One shot behind were Miguel Tabuena of the Philippines, who finished second last year, Shaun Norris of South Africa, Panuphol Pittayarat of Thailand and India's Khalin Joshi after the first round of the tournament held at the Linkou International Golf and Country Club near the capital Taipei. Tied for third place were Chinese Taipei duo Hung Chien-yao and veteran Lu Wen-teh. The 42-year-old Lin, six-time Asian Tour winner who is on a quest for his first title of the year, credited his health and fitness training. "I haven't played much on the Asian Tour because I used to get tired very easily when I travel too often. Now I've been going to the gym for half a year and it has helped a lot. I'm 42 this year so I can't keep playing and travelling," said Lin. Hung, 24, played well on the front nine and sank four straight birdies from the 16th hole in surprise charge that kept him on the leaderboard. Scores after first round of the Yeangder TPC (par 72): 67 - Lin Wen-tang (TPE), Hung Chun-kang (TPE) 68 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI), Shaun Norris (RSA), Panuphol Pittayarat (THA), Hung Chien-yao (TPE), Lu Wen-teh (TPE), Khalin Joshi (IND) 69 - Hsu Hao-sheng (TPE), Keith Horne (RSA), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), Scott Barr (AUS), Niclas Johansson (SWE), Sung Mao-chang (TPE), Giwhan Kim (KOR) 70 - Huang Tao (TPE), Natipong Srithong (THA), Lu Wei-chih (TPE), Prom Meesawat (THA), Lee Chieh-po (TPE), Phachara Khongwatmai (THA), Antonio Lascuna (PHI), Christopher Cannon (ENG), Jaco Ahlers (RSA), Akinori Tani (JPN), Berry Henson (USA), Thaworn Wiratchant (THA), Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Niall Turner (IRL), Kieran Pratt (AUS), Poom Saksansin (THA)