Sweden’s Jarmo Sandelin took command of the Vattanac Legends Championship Legacy Edition after a brilliant opening round of 65 (-7) at Vattanac Golf Resort, earning a one-shot lead over a world-class chasing group.
Sandelin’s clinical display around the Sir Nick Faldo-designed West Course placed him at the top of a tightly-bunched leaderboard, with Scott Hend, Peter Baker and Anthony Wall all carding 66 (-6) to share second place after an exciting first day in Phnom Penh.
Sitting one shot back at 67 (-5) is a strong group of five, including Ryder Cup stars Niclas Fasth and Jamie Donaldson, who arrives in excellent form following his win at the 2025 Champions UK plc Senior European Masters earlier this month. They are joined by Emanuele Canonica, Brian Davis and Darren Fichardt, all well positioned heading into the next round.
Sandelin’s opening round featured eight birdies, built on impressive accuracy from tee to green. “When you hit the fairway, hit the pins and make the putts, it becomes quite easy. I managed to keep my head focused, one shot at a time,” said Sandelin.
The Swede has shown promising form in recent weeks and believes this layout suits him perfectly. “The wind was very challenging and the greens are getting faster and firmer,” he added. “You really have to put the ball in the right position. But I really like this course. It hasn’t been raining and the conditions suit me a lot better than last week.”
Order of Merit Leader and a two-time winner this season, Scott Hend, opened with a composed 66 to position himself perfectly for another title run. “I just played solid golf,” Hend said. “I hit a lot of good shots and had a few lip-outs as well, so it could’ve been even better. It was tricky to judge the wind direction, but everyone has the same challenge, you just get on with your round.”
Three-time DP World Tour winner Peter Baker, who finished T2 last week, continued his strong form with an impressive 66. “I got off to a really good start,” Baker said after opening up with a birdie and an eagle. “I played nicely all day and putted well. The eagle on the second was a bonus, I launched a 3-wood right up in the air from a steep upslope and then holed the putt from about 40 feet.”
Baker praised the West Course conditions, “It’s a really nice layout with different grass on the greens this week, and I think they’re rolling a bit better. We got caught out on the par-five 14th when the wind suddenly picked up, and we could barely stand on the tee, but overall, the course is great. I’ve been playing well all summer and the plan is simple: play well, hole a few putts, and hopefully I’ll be right there.”
Fellow Englishman Anthony Wall, also T2 last week, completed the trio at six-under par after a composed and disciplined 66, highlighted by an eagle at the par-five 12th. “I did the simple things well,” Wall said. “I drove it nicely, kept hitting fairways and didn’t take on too many flags. The wind moved around a lot today, so avoiding the dangerous pins was key.”
His eagle provided the standout moment. “I hit a lovely drive and then a five-wood to about 12 feet. The pin was back left, and I used my draw and the wind to get it all the way back there.” Wall is focused on committing fully to each shot this week. “I just want to play well and stay out of my own way. There are so many good players out here now — you have to be on your game. My aim is simply to commit to everything.”
After competing in last week’s Vattanac Legends Championship, Wall spoke highly of the local experience: “I’ve loved it. The people are so welcoming and the food’s amazing. Even getting around feels like organised chaos — it’s brilliant. I’d recommend Cambodia to anyone.”
Round 2 of the Vattanac Legends Championship Legacy Edition tees off on Thursday morning local time, with live scores available: https://www.legendstour.com/tournament/vattanac-legends-legacy-edition
