Ervin Chang lit up the opening round of the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship, carding a wild eight-under 64 that included a moment of self-doubt. The Malaysian’s fireworks-filled round vaulted him into a three-way tie for the lead.

Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Chinese Taipei’s Chien-yao Hung matched Chang’s 64 to share the top spot. Defending champion Kazuki Higa headlined a chasing pack of players who signed for 65s at Linkou International Golf and Country Club.

Chang’s Wild Round Included a Moment of Doubt

Chang, playing in the morning session, made nine birdies against a single bogey to seize the early clubhouse lead. It marked a sharp contrast from last month, when he won the Port Dickson Championship by seven shots with a far steadier scorecard.

The round had its share of chaos, including a duffed tee shot that he recovered from with a clutch birdie. “There were some crazy moments, some moment that just made me wonder, like, am I doing this correctly?” Chang said.

Chang also revealed he has cut back on scrolling through golf content during tournament weeks to protect his mental game. “I didn’t look at the scoreboard, and it’s something that I’ve been working on over the last three months,” Chang said.

Pavit, Hung Chase Chang Into the Weekend

Pavit, who played alongside Hung in the afternoon, carded a bogey-free round with an eagle and six birdies. The Thai golfer said the week carries extra meaning, as his wife, Thai LPGA professional Chorphaka Jaengjit, is with him this week.

“This week is our 20th anniversary of being together. So, it is a very special week for me. I am trying to win for her,” Pavit said. The two-time Asian Tour winner has also claimed a tour-record eight Asian Development Tour titles.

Hung, fresh off a July win at the Ambassador ADT Open, pushed through calf cramps on the back nine to post an eagle and seven birdies. He is still chasing his first Asian Tour title after three Asian Development Tour victories.

“I bogeyed the last, but I told myself it’s ok,” Hung said. “I think the main highlight today was how I played through my calf cramps on the last three holes!”

Hung’s wife, Nikki, returned to caddie for him for the first time since giving birth to their son earlier this year. Elsewhere, Higa, the defending champion, carded five straight birdies on his way to a share of fourth at 65.