SINGAPORE'S young lions roared to the fore with a scintillating opening-day display in the 33rd Southeast Asian amateur team championship for the Putra Cup at Fanling.
Defying capricious winds which swirled mischievously around the Royal Hong Kong Golf Club's New Course, the youthful Singaporean quartet served early notice of their intent in the nine-nation event sponsored by Carlsberg.
Mardan Mamat led the way with a one-under-par 69 and received sterling support from Dino Kwek Beng Kwee and teenager Lam Chih-bing who both returned 70s.
With only the three best scores counting each day, Mohammed Said's 78 was discarded, giving Singapore a team total of 209.
That is four shots clear of the Philippines and Myanmar in joint second place with Malaysia in fourth place on 215. Defending champions Indonesia are fifth on 221 followed by Thailand (223), Hong Kong (225), Papua New Guinea (228) and Brunei (249).
Despite an adventurous 71 from Michael Grant, there was little cheer for the Hong Kong team who went into the tournament with high hopes of mounting a concerted challenge.
However, with David Tonroe shooting 76, Ian Hindhaugh returning a 78 and Tang Shu-wah firing an 81, it will take a big effort from the hosts if they are to haul themselves back into the picture.
