Atwal’s ascend continues

Third-placed Scott Hend of Australia is three strokes back after returning a 66, on a day when bright and clam weather replaced the opening day’s high winds.

Atwal’s victory last week was his second Davidoff Tour triumph, but it had taken some time to come following his success in the Indian Open at the beginning of 1999.

“It was a relief to win last week. I was doubting myself a little so it was very important to finally win,” said Atwal.

“I’m very focused at the moment and the things that I’ve been working on with my coach, Sam Frost, are going well,” added the Indian.

Atwal, paired with Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros, started his round on the back nine but made his move on the second half by coming home in five-under-par 30. He made three birdies on the trot from the second.pBallesteros produced one of his “best driving rounds of the year” to card a bogey-free 67 to lie at one over for the tournament. Sam Torrane of Scotland also turned in a solid round with a 68 and is one under.

The presence of the sponsor, although a little distracting helped Yeh stay in the hunt.

Working hard on his game has helped Yeh to far and away the best season of his career this year, but he said he played well because his Taiwanee sponsor was watching.

“This is the first time he has come to see me play outside of Taiwan, so I’m trying very hard to play well," said Yeh, winner of the season-opening Malaysian Open.

Unfortunately Yeh’s first sighting of his sponsor on the course caused him to lose concentration. Yeh was four under for his round playing the par five 15th.