Ichihara takes the lead

Japan’s Kodai Ichihara fired a six-under-par 66 at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club on Thursday to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Philippine Open.

The 25-year-old from Tokyo, who earned his card at the Asian Tour Qualifying School last December, fired seven birdies and one bogey to edge a shot ahead of Australia’s Gavin Flint and local player Benjie Magada in the Asian Tour event.