Howell flies English flag in Malaysia (From Swindon Advertiser)

Howell flies English flag in Malaysia

8:44am Thursday 21st March 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

DAVID Howell's newly-found affection for Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club would only have strengthened after the Swindon star made a flying start to the Malaysian Open this morning.

The 37-year-old, who believes his career revival began in the Far East last year, hit a three-under-par round of 69 in the capital, a score which left him in a tie for 15th and as the joint highest-placed Englishman on the leaderboard.

Three birdies on the front nine at three, five and eight - the latter on a par three - were followed by a bogey at the 11th and another birdie two at 15.

Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat tops the standings on seven-under, but plenty of the field still have to complete their opening rounds as play has been suspended for the day due to thunderstorms.

Read more in tomorrow's Swindon Advertiser.