Granberg’s fireworks set record 62

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  • July 20, 2011

Joonas Granberg sparked off a spectacular first-found firework show at the Selangor Masters when he posted a record 62

Joonas Granberg sparked off a spectacular first-found firework show at the Asian Tour’s Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters on Wednesday when he fired a course record 10-under 62.

The 24-year-old Qualifying School graduate from Finland started his show early when he holed out from the fairway for a sparkling eagle on his opening hole, the par four 10th. But nine more birdies nullified by only one bogey were still to come at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club in Malaysia..

His career best effort, the lowest 18-hole score on the Asian Tour this season, saw him open up a three-shot lead over South African Tjaart Van Der Walt, who returned a bogey-free 65 for sole second place

American Berry Henson, winner of the ICTSI Philippine Open, also started strongly with a 66 while India’s Jyoti Randhawa, Asia’s number one in 2002 and the winner here in 2004, Korea’s Mo Joong-kyung and rising Thai star Pariya Junhasavasdikul were tiwd for third after shooting 67s .

Granberg, who improved the previous course mark by one shot, was surprised with his stunning start, especially when considering that he slept for only three hours on Wednesday night due to jetlag.

But after he had spun a wedge back into the first cup he came across for a stunning two, he woke up quickly and was soon and had long been running on all four cylinders when he reached the turn in 29 with five of his birdies.

“This is really nice, an amazing feeling. My irons were amazing on the first nine. It was always within one to three meters (of the pins). I didn’t miss anything today,” said Granberg.

“Yesterday, I didn’t have any energy at all. I was very tired. Today at the range, the feeling was good. I’m not tired now but maybe tonight I will be very tired!”

The Finn birdied four more holes against a three-putt bogey on the second in his inward nine, but knows his quest for a maiden Asian Tour title is far from easy, despite his three-shot lead.

“This is my first time leading. I’m going to take it easy. It’s only the first round. I have to play very good in the next three rounds,” the Finnish rookie added.

Van Der Walt, trying to rebuild his career in Asia after wrist and elbow injuries curtailed his career on the US PGA Tour, sank seven birdies late in the day to lead the chasing pack.

“I Putted well for a change,” the big South African said smiling. “I’ve not been putting well all year. I’ve been working hard on all aspects of the game and finally I managed to make a few putts.”

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