Swiss sets course record to grab lead

LUBAO, PAMPANGA—Andreas Gronkvist put on a kind of finish that wins big-time championships but the Swede had to settle for the first round honors with a six-under 66 and a one-stroke over Thai Piya Swangarunporn in the $100,000 ICTSI Pradera Verde Classic here on Wednesday.

A birdie-eagle windup in windy condition checked a roller-coaster backside and netted a course record for the 27-year-old Gronkvist, who was just as surprised as the rest of the field to emerge the leader following a number of missed cut stints in the second season of the Philippine Golf Tour Asia.

“I managed the wind very well with my driver and irons,” said Gronkvist, who failed to advance at Riviera, Forest Hills and Summit Points stops of the region’s newest circuit while ending up tied for 27th at the CAT Open and 49th at Southwoods.

He also missed the cut by one in the recent Qualifying School Final Stage in Thailand.