Nirat takes two-shot lead on opening round at season-ending Saudi Open

Starting on the back nine, Nirat registered one eagle and seven birdies offset by two bogeys as the 40-year-old seeks his first Asian Tour title since 2014.

"Today (I am) so happy," Nirat said. "The wind is so strong. I had to keep the tee shot in the fairway.

"I was lucky, I started on the back nine. I was three under for the nine, that was good."

Nirat leads compatriot and amateur teen golfer Ratchanon Chantananuwat and Mexico's Luis Carrera, who are tied at five-under.

Chantananuwat, who had a blemish-free round, is only 16 years old and studies at Stanford. His father is also his caddie and the pair embraced on the 18th green after he finished with two birdies.

"I haven't shot anything better than a four-under in an Asian Tour event for quite some time, so it's really refreshing to see myself play good golf," he said.

"I had lots of fun out there. I think the wind made it super interesting. It's been dead for the past three days, so for it to have wind I am super happy."

The Saudi Open, which has a $1 million prize fund, is the season-ending event on the Asian Tour.