DHAKA: Japan’s Shunya Takeyasu and Soomin Lee of South Korea carded impressive seven-under-par 64s to share the opening-round lead in the $300,000 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open on Wednesday.

Fresh from his maiden Asian Development Tour victory in Malaysia last week, the 23-year-old Japanese began his charge with a flawless display to hit seven birdies.

Lee, who finished in the top 10 in the Myanmar Open also last week, was equally impressive at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka.

The duo hold a one-shot lead over Thitiphun Chuayprakong of Thailand, who took third place with six-under-par 65.

Takeyasu, playing his first Asian Tour event this week, needed only 23 putts around the course — including a 32-footer putt for par on the first hole.

“I played solid today, especially my putting. I sank a long putt on the first hole and that was kind of the highlight for me today,” he said.

Lee, who finished tied second in the inaugural edition of the tournament last year, was thrilled to put up another excellent performance in one of his favorite hunting grounds.

“I feel very excited out there. I had a good finish last year and I was very happy because it was my first year playing on the Asian Tour,” said the 22-year-old Korean in comments supplied by the organizers.

Home favorite Siddikur Rahman, a two-time Asian Tour winner, is tied in 14th position on 68 along with several other players.

Leading scores:

64-Shunya Takeyasu (JPN), Soomin Lee (KOR)

65- Thitiphun Chuayprakong (THA)

66- Shubhankar Sharma (IND) Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA), Mithun Perera (SRI)

67- Kevin Techakanokboon (THA), Sutijet Kooratanapisa(THA), Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND), George Gandranata (INA), Rahul Bajaj (IND), Piya Swangarunporn (THA)