Kim and V share first round lead

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Korean-American Chan Kim took advantage of his booming drives to share the first round lead with Japan’s Shugo Imahira after signing for a five-under-par 66 at The 35th Shinhan Donghae Open on Thursday.

Kim, a former Asian Tour member, currently leads the driving distance on the Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO) and powered ahead after overcoming a nervy start where he dropped four shots in his opening four holes at the Bear’s Best Cheongna Golf Club.

Imahira, who is the highest ranked Japanese in the field this week, also underlined his credentials by marking his card with six birdies and one bogey to share the morning’s spotlight with Kim.

The Japanese is making his first competitive start in Korea this week and did not display any sign of nerves, showing composure with his shot accuracy on the opening day.

Zimbabwean Scott Vincent found himself in familiar position on the leaderboard again as he signed for a 67 to stay in the mix, one shot off the lead in a share of third place with Korea’s Taehee Lee and Australia’s Wonjoon Lee at the Shinhan Donghae Open title which is being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, Korean PGA and JGTO.