Japan’s Ryo Noro and Nobuaki Oda carded matching three-under-par 68s to share the opening-round lead as Taipei Golf Club proved a much sterner test than last week’s birdie-fest at the Ever Glory ADT Open.

Only 12 players finished under par on the opening day of the US$120,000 Asian Development Tour event, with Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin, Japan’s Shapiyate Mako and Chinese Taipei’s Yang Hsiao-che a shot further back after rounds of 69.

Noro carded a bogey-free 68 and said his driving and approach play were the strongest parts of his game, while describing his putting as only average. He also noted that the greens were slow and difficult to read, although the fine weather and light breeze helped produce a good score.

Compatriot Oda also pointed to the challenge of the greens after posting a round featuring six birdies and three bogeys. Two hole-outs, from about 10 yards and around 30 yards, proved pivotal, while he needed just 22 putts. He also identified the stretch from the 10th through the 12th as among the toughest on the course because of the narrow fairways.

Ariffin recovered from an adventurous opening round to earn a share of third. Starting from the 10th tee, the Malaysian mixed six birdies with four bogeys and a double bogey.

“I hit the ball really well today,” said Ariffin. “I got off to a really good start, chipped in early and managed to take advantage of the par fives.”

Ryo Noro of Japan pictured in action on July 14, 2026, during Round One of the Ambassador ADT Open played at Taipei Golf Club, Taoyuan, Taiwan.

He also highlighted the challenge presented by Taipei Golf Club’s greens.

“They’re tough. They’re very grainy, so you really have to know where to miss it.”

Last week’s Ever Glory ADT Open champion Nathan Han of the United States was among a group of seven players tied for sixth on one under after opening with a 70. Joining him were Malaysia’s Nicholas Fung, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wei, Lu Wei-chih and Chang Wei-lun, Thailand’s Nirun Sae-Ueng and Singapore’s James Leow.

The opening round also produced the unusual sight of three holes-in-one, all coming at the 151-yard par-three 18th.

Japan’s Shori Ishizuka, who ended the day in a share of 13th after a 71, joined Malaysia’s Justin Chan (72) and Macau’s Kelvin Si in acing the hole. For Si, who turned professional at the start of 2024, it was the first hole-in-one of his career.