The World No.366 made five birdies as well as a 10-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 10th hole at Muthaiga Golf Club on Thursday.

Six players were in a share of second place, including van Driel's countryman, Daan Huising. The others were Frederic Lacroix, Connor Syme, Tapio Pulkkanen, Ryan van Velzen and Yannick Schuetz.

Rikuya Hoshina – the highest-ranked player in the field at No.77 and the winner of the Qatar Masters two weeks ago – opened with a round of 71.

Australian Haydn Barron, who also impressed in the Qatar event before fading over the last couple of rounds, opened up with a one-over 72, a disappointment after a blistering start when he made three birdies in the first four holes.

Perth's Connor McKinney was the leading Australian, in joint 56th place after his level-par 71 which featured four birdies and four bogeys. Melbourne's Tom Power Horan shot a 75.