France’s Alexis Leray fired a stunning nine-under-par 63 to take the first-round lead at the Nam A Bank Vietnam Masters at Royal Long An Golf & Country Club.

The US$100,000 event, the second of the season on the Asian Development Tour, is being played over 54 holes from March 17–19.

Leray’s superb effort set a new course record and marked the best round of his professional career.

“I am really surprised, I think it’s really cool,” said Leray. “It’s the first time in my career and it’s my personal best, so it’s really nice.

“It was a really good round. It’s my personal best as a pro, so it’s really cool to start the season on the ADT with this round.”

His highlight came early in the round with an eagle on the par-five fourth.

“I hit a really good drive into the fairway, then a three-wood to maybe four metres behind the hole and holed the putt,” he added. “My putting was on fire today.”

Reflecting on the layout, he said: “Every hole is interesting and you have to hit some really good shots on certain holes. I don’t really have a favourite hole out there.”

Making his debut on the Asian Development Tour, Leray is relishing the experience.

“It’s my first time on the ADT and it’s really nice. I hope I’ll be able to play more tournaments this season, but so far it’s been great. I really like it here.

“Vietnam is really hot for me, but it’s so nice. The people are really kind and welcoming.”

Indonesia’s Jonathan Wijono sits in second place on seven-under-par after an impressive round featuring an eagle and a flurry of birdies.

Starting from the 10th tee, he birdied the 13th and eagled the par-five 15th before picking up four birdies early on his back nine. A lone bogey on the fifth was offset by another gain on the seventh.

“My round today was great. I’ve been hitting it well lately,” said Wijono. “I changed to a broomstick putter and it’s like night and day — I’m holing a lot more putts.

“I didn’t really expect that birdie run, to be honest. I was just trying to stay focused on each shot and pick specific targets, and it worked quite well.”

His eagle came in unusual fashion.

“My first shot hit a tree and came back into the fairway. I hit a six-iron over the green and chipped it in for eagle,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting that, but I think today was my day.

“Hopefully I can maintain this routine and we’ll see what happens.”

Sharing second place is Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond, a seven-time winner on the Asian Tour, who continues to use the ADT as a platform to sharpen his game.

“It was good today. I started really well,” said Jazz. “It got a bit windy at the end, but I managed to finish nicely with a hole-out from the bunker on the last. It always helps you sleep better when you finish like that.”

The Thai star values his occasional appearances on the ADT.

Nathan Han of the USA pictured in action during Round One of the US$100,000 Nam A Bank Vietnam Masters at Royal Long An Golf & Country Club on March 17, 2026.

“I play one or two ADT events because I love coming back. Before I won my first Asian Tour event, I had just played my first ADT event, so it’s always a good place to reset and find my game.”

“The ADT is quite strong. If you play enough, you definitely get better.”

Reflecting on his form, he added: “It’s a journey. I finished last season quite well, but I expected a bit more. Still, looking at it overall, I can’t be too harsh on myself — but I need to push myself harder.”

“The competition is good here. I felt like I played really well today and I’m still two shots behind.”

“If you earn your card through this tour, I think you have a better chance of keeping it on the main tour rather than going through Q-School. You really get tested here. It’s a great place to play tournament golf, and I’d definitely come back.”

Korea’s Seungtaek Ok is alone in fourth place after posting a six-under-par 66.

A large group share fifth place on five-under-par 67, including American Nathan Han, who only received his call-up to the tournament five days ago.

Han, making his ADT debut, was pleased with his opening effort.

“The round was great. I executed well, hit the ball really well and gave myself a lot of birdie chances,” he said. “I didn’t really make any mistakes, so it felt like a pretty easy round of golf.”

His only dropped shot came at the last.

“I made one bogey on nine, the last hole, a tough par three. I just pushed my iron into the bunker. It wasn’t a terrible swing. I hit a decent bunker shot to about eight feet, but just missed the putt.”

He highlighted the par-five eighth as a key hole.

“It’s a really good hole. It’s reachable so it’s inviting, but you have to be smart. I stuck to my plan and made birdie, which I was really happy about. It’s a great risk-reward hole.”

Playing in Vietnam for the first time, Han has quickly taken to the surroundings.

“I’m in love with it so far. The weather’s been hot, but it’s nice — better than New York,” he said. “The course is in great shape and it’s been a really good vibe.”

“I turned pro in October and got the call five days ago, so we booked flights straight away. It’s my first ADT event, so it’s been a great experience.”

One player – Manav Shah of India – remains on the course after play was called due to darkness and he will complete his final hole tomorrow morning. Normal play for Round Two will start at 6.30am.

Main picture: Alexis Leray of France pictured in action during Round One of the US$100,000 Nam A Bank Vietnam Masters at Royal Long An Golf & Country Club on March 17, 2026.