Boonchu, 52, only two back in Singha Thailand Open

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PHUKET, Thailand -- India's Digvijay Singh and Australian Mitchell Brown fired seven-under-par 63s to share the first round lead in the $500,000 Singha Thailand Open on Thursday as Boonchu Ruangkit stole the show.

The leading duo, who are searching for their maiden Asian Tour victory, lead by one stroke from Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, Gaganjeet Bhullar of India and Australia's Unho Park at the par-70 Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

Thailand's 52-year-old Boonchu, a two-time winner of his home Open, rolled back the years to card a 65 and lie two back alongside compatriot Kwanchai Tannin, Korea's Young Nam and Mo Joong-kyung, South African Keith Horne, Indian Himmat Rai, Australian Tim Stewart and Lu Wei-chih of Chinese Taipei.

Tournament favourite Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, winner in Indonesia last week, shot a 69 while two-time PGA TOUR Daniel Chopra of Sweden returned a 67.

The evergreen Boonchu, winner of the Thailand Open in 1992 and 2004, let the young guns know he means business with an impressive round. The Thai legend may not hit the ball as long as the majority of the 156-player field but he weaved his magic on and around the greens to stake an early claim for a third title.

"I really want to lift the King's Trophy again," said Boonchu, back in Asia after two seasons on the Champions Tour. "The Thailand Open means a lot to me -- it is in my heart."