Thomas grabs share of lead to open CIMB Classic defense
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[October 20, 2016]
KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Justin
Thomas enjoyed a welcome return to Kuala Lumpur on Thursday when the
American kicked off the defense of his CIMB Classic title by surging
into a share of the lead at the $7 million co-sanctioned event.
Thomas, who claimed his one and only PGA Tour title at the TPC Kuala
Lumpur course last year when he edged out Adam Scott by a stroke,
tallied nine birdies and a lone bogey in his first round this time
to sign for an eight-under-par 64.
"It was a good day, it was solid. If there's any such thing as an
easy eight under, that was it," Thomas said in a post-round
interview.
Derek Fathauer, who was bogey-free for his round, and Keegan Bradley
matched Thomas's total to move top of the leaderboard as the
American trio opened a one-shot advantage over in-form Englishman
Paul Casey in the second event on the 2017 PGA Tour.
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Anirban Lahiri sits alone in fifth place after bogeys on his last
two holes prevented the Indian from grabbing a share of the lead,
one clear of a quartet of players that includes Sergio Garcia and
Brendan Steele, who won last week's Safeway Open.
Thomas made a fast start with three birdies in five holes but a
bogey on the par-four sixth stalled his progress and two more pars
left the 23-year-old struggling for momentum as he approached the
ninth tee on two-under for his round.
After finding the middle of the fairway with his drive, a pinpoint
approach shot to within five feet set up the first of six birdies in
eight holes as he reacquainted himself with a course on which he
seems to thrive.
"I just kind of went along with my business today," Thomas added. "I
hit it real close and made a few putts, it was a pretty low-stress
day.
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![](../images/102016pics/sports59.jpg)
Justin Thomas reacts after putting the fifth green during the 2016
Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Brett
Davis-USA TODAY Sports
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"It was fun, I haven't had the opportunity to defend before so it's
fun to be back and people know who I am. Hopefully an experience I
will get to feel a lot."
American Patrick Reed (68) and Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello (69), who
faced each other at the recent Ryder Cup, made solid starts while
Ian Poulter, vice-captain of the defeated European team, continued
he return from injury with a one-under-par 71.
The event is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
(Writing by John O'Brien in Singapore; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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