Anthony Fernando fired a three-under-par 69 to propel the Philippines to a first-round lead Monday in the 24th Southeast Asian Games with a 209 total.

Jonel Ababa and Ferdinand Aunzo shot respective 70s to bolster the Philippines’ bid to defend the SEAG Gold the team won in the Manila Games in 2005.

In the first day of competitions at the Bonanza Ranch Khaoya in Thailand, the Philippine surge took the team above second placer Indonesia by one shot. Malaysia ended the day at third with a 212 aggregate.

Meanwhile, Putra Cup champion Thailand languished at fourth place with a 214 aggregate.