Allenby off to flyer in Malaysia

Australian Robert Allenby fired a flawless 63 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic in Malaysia.

The 40-year-old sank eight birdies in a bogey-free round to lead Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas on a sweltering day at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.

“I started the day with some good early putts and hit the ball well today and overall I’m very happy with today’s result,” said Allenby, who was terrorised by a monkey at the course during practice earlier in the week.

“My iron play was good today and, more importantly, I made some good putts. I’ve been working hard on that. My game is there, it’s just the focus now.”

Swede Fredrik Jacobson also handed in a bogey-free card after four birdies, as well as an eagle on the par-four 15th. His 65 left him in outright third at the US PGA Tour co-sanctioned event.

Former Open champion Stewart Cink was the best of the four major champions in the field, carding a four-under 67 to be in joint seventh place with fellow Americans Scott Stallings and Bo Van Pelt.

Two-time major winner Angel Cabrera is ten behind Allenby after going out in 40 on his way to a 73.