Jeunghun Wang wasted no time making a statement as the Moutai Singapore Open returned to the calendar, firing an eight-under-par 64 on Thursday to grab the first-round lead at Singapore Island Country Club. The event’s comeback also marked its first staging at SICC in 25 years, and Wang rose to the moment with nine birdies against just one bogey.

The Korean holds a slim advantage over Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Gunn Charoenkul, along with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent, who all carded 65s on the demanding New Course layout. Kiradech looked poised to match Wang at the top but dropped a bogey on the par-five 18th after finding water.

Germany’s Dominic Foos, fresh off his SJM Macao Open victory, joined Americans Micah Shin, Ollie Schniederjans, and Caleb Surratt plus Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong at 66 to remain in early contention.

Wang sharp in return to major stage

Wang, who burst onto the global golf scene nearly a decade ago with three European Tour titles, has been steadily rebuilding his career after completing 18 months of national service in Korea. The 30-year-old hasn’t lifted a trophy in almost eight years but showed vintage confidence in his opening-round performance.

“My irons were really good today. I hit it solid all day and the putter was hot,” Wang said, satisfied with the clean, disciplined ball-striking that set the tone for his round.

Since his competitive return, he has posted two runner-up finishes and two other top-five results on the Asian Tour — steady proof his form has been trending upward.

Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, also flashed brilliance despite early and late bogeys. The Thai star stacked nine birdies between mistakes and remained upbeat despite the closing stumble. “A lot of great shots today,” he said, noting a pulled clubface from thick rough caused his final-hole miscue into the water.

Pressure builds for contenders as Tour race tightens

Charoenkul’s strong start comes at a pivotal moment as he fights to keep his Asian Tour card. Currently sitting 56th on the Order of Merit, he has struggled with health and equipment issues but began the week with renewed confidence after regaining strength and adjusting his driver setup.

Vincent, meanwhile, continued his steady form after finishing tied for third in Jakarta last month. Playing alongside Foos and Shin, he credited his fast scoring to feeding off his group’s momentum. “I can’t miss out on this party,” he joked, noting how each player’s success pushed the trio forward.

Singapore’s 16-year-old amateur Troy Storm delighted the home crowd with a composed 67, making him the top-placed local after an impressive run at the recent World Amateur Team Championship.

Asian Tour Order of Merit pacesetter Kazuki Higa opened with a 70, while Scott Vincent — leader of The International Series Rankings — settled for a 72, leaving room to climb over the final three rounds.