Sami Välimäki’s fine form continued on the opening day of the Thailand Classic as he fired a flawless 64 to lead the way alongside Martin Simonsen.
Finn Välimäki arrived at Amata Spring Country Club fresh from last week’s second-place finish at the Singapore Classic, and it did not take him long to get back up to speed.
After starting his first round with three successive birdies, Välimäki made two more on his way to the turn before picking up three shots on the back nine to reach eight under par.
Fellow afternoon starter Simonsen then joined Välimäki at the summit, having carded an eagle, seven birdies and one bogey in his 64.
German duo Alexander Knappe and Yannik Paul were one shot behind the co-leaders in a tie for third, with Thriston Lawrence, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Fabrizio Zanotti and Robin Sciot-Siegrist another stroke further back.
