 The opening day of the first international series of the year here in Oman got off to a brilliant start. An outstanding field on a great golf course here at Al Mujah. A day to remember for the Omani Amitah as an Al Rumi. It might have been a 78 but you'll remember there's Birdie at the 12th for a long time. The defending champion is Takumi Hakkanae. He has 70 today for two under par. This the highlight for the Japanese. Around a 17, two under. He's got a little bit of work to do tomorrow. Good to see Christopher Broberg back on the Asian tour. He won the qualifying school in Thailand in January. This a birdie at the 17th for the Swede and around a 68 for four under par. Mito Pereira certainly started as one of the favorites this week. The Chilean had a good day too. Out among the earliest starters around of 67, five under par. There's a glorious approach into the second. Manav Shah of the US won his tour card at that same tour school and with three holes to play he's right up there at six under par. He began his round with four birdies in a roll. This is Wacken Neiman. The Chilean perhaps the favorite for the start of the week. This 66. You would only make three more after that eagle at the third though. A little bit disappointing perhaps. The man at the top of the leaderboard coming towards the end of the opening round. Not surprisingly, David Pughes last week's winner in Malaysia. Hold that putt for Birdie at the eighth. So nearly followed it with an eagle here at 12. How did this one stay out? Another birdie though, one of seven for the Spaniard and at 65 for seven under par. David Pughes off to a splendid start as he looks to make it two wins in a row on the Asian tour.