Ghei grabs lead in Lexus International

Gaurav Ghei enjoyed a fast start at the Lexus International first round on Thursday to take a one shot lead after a brilliant seven-under-par 65 at Windmill Park Country Club in Bangkok.

Ghei's lowest round of the year, thanks largely to five birdies in his opening six holes, gave him a slim edge over home hero Prayad Marksaeng, who carded a bogey-free 66.

Current Order of Merit leader Yeh Wei-tze of Taiwan, Japan's Daisuke Maruyama, Springbok Craig Kamps and Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand are tied third and trail the leader by two strokes.

Play was disrupted in the afternoon following heavy rain, with 24 players set to return early tomorrow to complete their first rounds.

Ghei, who secured a runaway seven-shot victory on the Indian circuit last week, holed three big putts from above 15 feet and finished his round in blazing fashion with three birdies on the trot.

His only blemish was a double bogey at the seventh when he drove into the water.

"It's one of those lucky rounds today. I've been putting well of late and holed some really big putts and made a couple from 25 feet.

"My family is lamenting the fact that I'm away this week as it's Deepavali today, but I told them I didn't mind, especially if I play this well," said Ghei, who was the first player from India to qualify for the British Open in 1997.