Cebu, Philippines: Brian Locke of the United States shot an opening round of six-under-par 66 to lead the weather-interrupted Aboitiz Invitational on Wednesday.

A total of 18 players will resume play at 7.00am on Thursday.

Locke, who secured his maiden victory on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) in Malaysia last year, posted seven birdies against one bogey at the US$65,000 ADT event.

Title holder Elmer Salvador was one shot back with a 67 while Australian Darren Tan and Filipino duo Reymon Jaraula and Marcs Pucay took a share of third place after signing for matching 68s at the Cebu Country Club.

Locke was delighted with his effort in what is his first ADT event of the year.

“I haven’t played much this season. I went back home and took a break but I still tried to practise whenever I could. It’s my first time in Cebu and my first time playing on this course. I am happy that I had a solid round although the course was kind of wet due to the rain,” said the 27-year-old Locke.

Home favourite Salvador took advantage of a hot start where he opened with three straight birdies for a bogey-free front nine.

“I started off with three birdies and that kind of boosted my confidence. Although I made a bogey on the 18th, I’m generally happy with how I played,” said Salvador, who is aiming to become the first player to successfully defend his title on the ADT, which is the feeder circuit to the premier Asian Tour.

“My form is good and I’m doing well so far. I hope I can maintain my form and play consistently over the next few rounds. Hopefully I can produce some good results this week,” added the Filipino.

Tan, who enjoyed a third place finish at last week’s inaugural Jakarta Classic, was in buoyant mood as he battled into contention for his maiden ADT win at the Aboitiz Invitational.

“Finishing third in Jakarta has really boosted my confidence. I feel great coming to Cebu and I’m happy with my current form. Of course I would love to win but I guess the most important thing now is to stay focused and play well for the remaining rounds ahead,” said Tan.

“It’s great that we can now earn world ranking points from ADT events. The Asian Tour is where I want to play eventually and I hope my performances throughout the season can get me there,” added the Australian.

Last week’s winner James Bowen of the United States, who is also leading the Order of Merit, opened his campaign with a disappointing 77 while reigning Merit champion Jay Bayron of the Philippines fired a 69 to lie three off the lead.

Created along the lines of the European Challenge Tour and Web.com Tour in the United States, the ADT will reward the top-three players on the final Order of Merit with Asian Tour cards for the following year.

All ADT events also receive Official World Golf Ranking points, which will be used to determine the field for the World Cup of Golf in Melbourne in November and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The winner of the Aboitiz Invitational will receive a total of six world ranking points while the top six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.

Leading first round scores:

66 – Brian LOCKE (USA)

67 – Elmer SALVADOR (PHI)

68 – Reymon JARAULA (PHI), Mars PUCAY (PHI), Darren TAN (AUS)

69 – L J GO (A) (PHI), Lindsay RENOLDS (CAN), Malcolm KOKOCINSKI (SWE), Rufino BAYRON (PHI), Jay BAYRON (PHI), Guido VAN DER VALK (NED)

70 – Ian KEENAN (ENG), PARK Il-hwan (KOR), Angelo QUE (PHI)