Ekpharit Wu and Jeongwoo Ham surged to the top of the leaderboard with matching seven-under-par 64s to seize the early advantage at the Singapore Open. Both players delivered composed performances despite punishing heat and humidity at Sentosa Golf Club.

The duo opened a two-shot cushion over a tightly packed chasing group, setting the tone in the opening round of the US$2 million event. Their efforts stood out in conditions that tested endurance as much as execution.

Wu impressed in his tournament debut, carding a flawless round highlighted by seven birdies. Starting on the back nine, he quickly found rhythm and maintained control throughout the day.

Wu, Ham thrive under extreme conditions

The Thai standout leaned on consistency and composure, avoiding mistakes while capitalizing on scoring opportunities. His steady play reflected growing confidence following recent success on the Asian Tour.

Ham, meanwhile, overcame an early setback to produce one of the day’s most aggressive rounds. After a bogey on his opening hole, he responded with a barrage of birdies to climb into a share of the lead.

Both players handled the demanding weather conditions with discipline, separating themselves from a competitive field. Their ability to stay composed proved crucial as temperatures soared throughout the round.

Chasers remain within striking distance

A group of contenders sits just behind the leaders, keeping the pressure firmly in place heading into the next round. Among them is Aidric Chan, who delivered a strong performance to stay in contention.

Several established names also positioned themselves well, producing under-par rounds to remain within reach. The leaderboard remains crowded, signaling a wide-open battle as the tournament progresses.

With multiple players capable of making a move, the margin for error remains slim. The opening round has set up a competitive race, with consistency likely to determine who emerges on top.