Thailand’s Waris Manthorn nudged his way into an early lead at the ADT All Thailand Partnership Trophy today, concluding his round in the late afternoon to post a one shot lead with a seven-under-par 64.

Playing in the last group off the tee on Thursday, Waris dropped just the one shot and with four birdies on each nine setting him up nicely for an early start tomorrow.

Yu-cheng Ho of Chinese Taipei set the pace in the morning wave as play got underway at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club in Pattaya. He was joined later in the day at six under par by Shinichi Mizuno of Japan and Thailand’s Kosuke Hamamoto and Kittiporn Javanapong.

Yucheng Ho of Chinese Taipei pictured in action at the inaugural ADT All Thailand Partnership Trophy in Pattaya. Picture courtesy of the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Combining the Mountain and Ocean courses at the 27-hole Pattaya venue, the inaugural co-sanctioned event between the Asian Development Tour and the All Thailand Golf Tour boasts a full field of 144 players and carries a prize fund of THB 3 million. The event is being played from July 6-9.

As to be expected, a strong Thai contingent made up the bulk of the first day’s leading rounds, with the experienced Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Phachara Khongwatmai finishing the day at five under par, together with compatriot Charng-Tai Sudsom.

England’s William Harrold, who threatened the lead early before a double bogey on his back nine slowed progress, completes the group in fifth place.

China’s Wocheng Ye and South Africa’s MJ Viljoen, together with Wei-hsuan Wang of Chinese Taipei are among the international players in a group in tenth spot on four under. They are accompanied by Thai players Piya Sawangarunporm, Nattawat Suvajanakorn, Pattaraphol Khanthacha and Rattanon Wannasrichan, together with KK Limbhasut and Sarun Sirithon, winner of the Laguna Phuket Cup last season.

Kosuke Hamamoto of Thailand pictured in action at the inaugural ADT All Thailand Partnership Trophy in Pattaya. Picture courtesy of the All Thailand Golf Tour.

Singapore’s Abdul Hadi started well with an eagle on his first hole, but he was unable to sustain momentum and slipped down the field as his round continued. He sits in a group sharing 20th place, together with fellow international players Chikkarangappa S of India, Filip Lundell of Sweden and the Filipino duo of Justin Quiban and Lloyd Jefferson Go

Notable Thai players also on three under par include Panuphol Pittayart, Poom Saksansin, Natipong Srithong and Chanat Sakulpolphaisan.

Shariffuddin Ariffin of Malaysia, who wan last year’s PKNS Selangor Masters at Kebab Golf Seri Selangor last year, is also tied for 20th at three under.

Main picture: Leader Waris Manthorn of Thailand pictured in action at the inaugural ADT All Thailand Partnership Trophy in Pattaya. Picture courtesy of the All Thailand Golf Tour.