Chinese Taipei: Chinese Taipei’s Lee Chia-hao and amateur Liu Yu-jui led the local charge with matching five-under-par 66s to share the first round lead at the 14th ADT Chang Hwa Open on Thursday.

The leading duo held a one-shot lead over highly-rated compatriot Hung Chien-yao, who mixed his card with one eagle, six birdies, two bogeys and one double bogey for a 67 at the Chang Hwa Golf Club.

Lin Wen-hong, brother of local veteran Lin Wen-tang, took fourth place on 68 while countryman Lien Chi-wei was a further shot back in fifth at the US$120,000 event, which is the richest event on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) schedule this season.

Local prospects Chan Yih-shin, Yang Fei Hao and ADT winner James Byrne of Scotland were among the seven players tied in sixth place on identical 70s at the event which is the 14th leg on the ADT schedule this season.

Lee, who marked his card with eight birdies against three bogeys, enjoyed one of his best rounds since turning professional in 2009.

“My iron play and putting were not too bad. I try not to think so much about my score but I’m really happy to see improvements in my game,” said the 25-year-old Lee.

After turning in 33, Lee continued his strong showing with birdies on holes 10, 13 and 14 but nerves began to creep in when the camera crews started following his progress, resulting in a bogey on 16.

“The greens are really tricky here and I got nervous at the last three holes because the camera crew was following me around. I didn’t experience that before and I guess I really need to work on my stress management,” added the 25-year-old, who missed out on securing his full Asian Tour playing rights at the Qualifying School in January.

Liu was impressed with his performance today but claimed he has no plans to turn professional at the moment as he hopes to gain more experience and build up his confidence.

“I’m very happy with how I played today. I made four consecutive birdies in my back nine. The double bogey on the 18th was disappointing but it’s alright. ” said Liu, who fired eight birdies against one bogey and one double bogey.

“I think I made very good judgments today. I just got well from a cold so I try not to push myself. I kind of played safe today and my putting was good. Hopefully I can maintain my form for tomorrow,” added the 22-year-old.

Asian Tour rookie Hung is thankful for an encouraging start but said that he must not get ahead of himself if he wants to play well in the next three rounds.

“This is a course that I’ve played a lot during my amateur days. I was kind of pushing myself today. I was really eager to play well and score on this course. I will have to be less ambitious and not think too much if I want to continue to play well here,” said the 21-year-old, who claimed two victories on the local tour in August.

“It’s my first year playing on the Asian Tour and I’m still trying to get used to the courses and the players on Tour. I’m actually quite disappointed with my performances so far, especially having missed cuts in those two events in my home country. I will continue to work hard and hopefully secure my card for next year,” added Hung.

The 14th ADT Chang Hwa Open is the second ADT event to be held in Chinese Taipei this year, following the Ballantine’s Taiwan Championship which was held earlier in August.

All ADT events receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points starting this year. Winners on the ADT will receive a minimum of six world ranking points while the top six players and ties will earn points based on a sliding scale.