Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert delivered a flawless opening round to claim a two-shot advantage at the US$2 million International Series Morocco. Navigating the challenging Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in the nation’s capital, the thirty-seven-year-old fired a bogey-free, eight-under-par 65. The stellar performance featured four birdies on his outward nine before concluding the day with a spectacular run of four consecutive birdies. The commanding early lead provides a welcome return to form for the two-time Asian Tour winner, who had battled inconsistency in recent months.

Sitting two strokes adrift in a tie for second place are Australia’s Travis Smyth and South Korea’s Younghan Song, who both carded solid rounds of 67. The leaderboard presents a fascinating role reversal from the International Series Japan earlier this year, where Tangkamolprasert finished as the runner-up to Smyth. The Australian, who currently tops the Asian Tour Order of Merit, utilised his recent tournament victories and a valuable stint competing on the LIV Golf circuit to maintain a relaxed and confident mindset. Meanwhile, Song matched Smyth’s score with a bogey-free effort of his own as he continues his pursuit of a maiden Asian Tour victory.

Further down the leaderboard, a crowded group of five players shares fourth place at five-under-par, including American standout Andy Ogletree. The former Order of Merit champion engineered a remarkable late surge, sinking a massive sixty-foot eagle putt on his penultimate hole before signing off with a birdie to card a 68. He is joined by Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho, Thailand’s Sadom Kaewkanjana, Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard, and American Grant Haefner, who remarkably produced his impressive round despite being forced to use borrowed and rented equipment due to lost luggage at the airport.

The prestigious tournament, marking the third elevated stop on the Asian Tour schedule this season, also features several prominent international names making their presence felt. Former Masters champion Bubba Watson opened his Moroccan campaign with a highly respectable four-under-par 69, while defending champion Scott Vincent of Zimbabwe sits five shots off the pace following a determined 70. Elsewhere, promising amateur Hugo Trommetter delighted the home crowds by carding a 73 to finish the opening day as the highest-placed Moroccan player in the star-studded field.