Finland's Sami Valimaki and Denmark’s Martin Simonsen share the lead after an opening day of low scoring in the Thailand Classic.Valimaki carded eight birdies in a flawless 64 while Simonsen recorded an eagle, seven birdies and a solitary bogey as 82 of the 132-strong field broke par at Amata Spring Country Club."It’s a great day," Simonsen said. "I thought it was going to be difficult out there with the wind and it was, but thankfully I played the par fives really well, which helped."Most of them were downwind, so that helped a lot, but you still have to hit the shots."I haven’t played the way I’ve scored the last two weeks, so it’s been very, very frustrating for me.
I feel like I’ve been playing better than what the scores have said. I’ll just keep doing what I’m doing and eventually it’ll be OK."Simonsen and Valimaki enjoyed a one-shot lead over German duo Alexander Knappe and Yannik Paul, with home favourite Kiradech Aphibarnrat three shots further back after carding six birdies and a double bogey on the 14th.Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre was also part of the large group on four under par after finding a solution to his recent putting issues."The last four weeks have been tough on the greens," the left-hander said. "I’ve done a bit of work on Tuesday and realised it was more mental, not technique."It was about freeing myself and that’s what I’ve done.
I’ve changed my pre-shot routine a touch and just trusted my instincts and what I do best, that’s putting a good stroke on it and hoping it goes in."I’m driving it well.
I’ve really just been waiting on the putter to turn up the last few weeks. Hopefully today is a good sign."John Murphy is best of the Irish trio in this week's field, posting two under to sit six shots