Germany's Alex Cejka burst through the pack with an eight-under par 64 to take the lead in the opening round of the $1 million Thailand Golf Championship at Amata Spring Country Club on Thursday.
Overtaking a crowded leaderboard, the 43-year-old German was one shot ahead of England's Justin Rose and the promising young Thai, Arnond Vongvanij, who both fired impressive 65s.
A further shot behind was India's Gaganjeet Bhullar, while compatriot Sujjan Singh and Sweden's Daniel Chopra both hit 67.
Defending champion Charl Schwartzel was in joint seventh place along with Spain's Sergio Garcia and Mardan Mamat of Singapore after firing four-under 68s.
Best of the Australians was Marcus Fraser, five off the pace.
"I am very pleased, I played really well today," said Cejka, who was also celebrating his first wedding anniversary.
"It is a great feeling," added the German, who sank eight birdies and didn't drop any shots in a flawless display.
For much of the day Rose topped the leaderboard and this year's US Open champion seems determined to finish his already spectacular year on a high note.
The English star opened with two birdies which set the tone for his round, as he went on to sink a total of seven birdies while suffering no bogeys.
"My putting felt really sharp, I was reading the greens well," Rose said.
