CIMB Classic 2012: Day 1 Leaderboard Analysis, Highlights and More

The stars of the PGA and Asian Tour have taken their talents to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the third-annual CIMB Classic this weekend. Defending champion Bo Van Pelt will try to fend off 47 challengers to get his first victory outside of the European Tour in 2012. 

After the first round of competition on Thursday, Americans hold the first five spots on the leaderboard, with 32-year-old Troy Matteson setting the pace after firing an eight-under 63. 

Not far off the pace is Tiger Woods at five-under. He managed to save his round with a dominating effort on the back nine, firing a five-under 31 after bogeying the final two holes before the turn. 

Here is a look at the leaderboard after the first round. (Full standings can be found at PGATour.com)

POSITION	PLAYER	SCORE
1	Troy Matteson	-8 (63)
T-2	Brian Harman	-7 (64)
T-2	Jeff Overton	-7 (64)
T-2	Robert Garrigus	-7 (64)
T-5	Tom Gillis	-6 (65)
T-5	Gaganjeet Bhullar	-6 (65)
T-7	.J.B. Holmes	-5 (66)
T-7	Ricky Barnes	-5 (66)
T-7	Danny Chia	-5 (66)
T-7	Greg Chalmers	-5 (66)
T-7	Jbe' Kruger	-5 (66)
T-7	Tiger Woods	-5 (66)
T-13	Kevin Na	-4 (67)
T-13	Pat Perez	-4 (67)
T-13	Kevin Stadler	-4 (67)

Tiger Watch

As we mentioned, Woods' performance on the back nine was spectacular. It helped get him right back into contention heading into Friday and put the rest of the field on notice. 

Woods' best shot came off the tee on the par-3 16th hole. He knocked the ball within four feet of the cup and sank a birdie putt that moved his score to four-under par.

Eagle Magic

The best putt of the day belonged to Gaganjeet Bhullar on the eighth hole. With a chance to eagle, he sank a 22-foot putt that moved his score to three-under par. He would finish the day tied for fifth after shooting a 65. 

Second-Round Action

Friday's second round starts at 7:10 a.m. local time, which will be 7:10 p.m. ET, with Marc Leishman and Scott Piercy kicking things off. 

Woods is paired with Jbe' Kruger, and they tee off at 10:10 a.m., while leader Troy Matteson will look to keep his momentum going starting at 11:00 a.m.

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