McKibbin 1 ahead after flawless 64

• Published date: 10 February 2023
• Publication title: Bangkok Post

Singapore: Tom McKibbin produced a flawless 64 in the first round of the 2023 Singapore Classic to lead the way by one shot yesterday.

The European Challenge Tour graduate, who started from the 10th tee yesterday morning, carded three birdies on his front nine before coming home in 30 to reach eight under par.

The 20-year-old's back nine featured a hat-trick of gains from the second and ended with a monster birdie putt from the fringe at the ninth.

McKibbin, who hails from the same part of Northern Ireland as world No.1 Rory McIlroy, briefly had company at the top of the leaderboard, but Matthieu Pavon and Sami Valimaki both dropped a shot late in their first rounds to slip back to seven under.

Frenchman Pavon and Finn Valimaki were alongside Swedes Joakim Lagergren and Simon Forsstrom in a four-way tie for second after 18...