PARIS, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Hideki Matsuyama took an early lead in the men's individual stroke play at the Paris Olympic Games on Thursday.
The 32-year-old golfer completed the first round at Le Golf National venue with a score of eight under par, placing him at the top of the 60-player field.
Xander Schauffele, the reigning Olympic gold medalist from the United States, closely followed in second place. Schauffele shot six under par, bolstered by an impressive front nine where he recorded five birdies.
Chinese golfer Dou Zecheng, making his Olympic debut, had a promising start with four birdies by the 11th hole. However, a double bogey on the par four 15th hole, caused by a shot into the water, set him back. Dou finished the round with a score of 69.
"I really enjoyed today's game and am quite satisfied with my performance. Starting with two under par is not bad," Dou said. He cautioned that the course is not only challenges with its distance but also has many water hazards, requiring careful consideration of the driving line and strategic planning.
The other Chinese player Yuan Yechun showed some fluctuations at the beginning of the match, with one birdie and three bogeys in the first seven holes. He completed the match with a score of 70. ■
