TAIPEI, October 2, 2014 (AFP) - With five birdies against a bogey, Weber held a two-shot advantage over Malaysian Nicholas Fung, England's Steve Lewton and 2010 winner Pariya Junhasavasdikul of Thailand on the par-72 Taiwan Golf and Country Club's Tamsui course.
"My putting was really good. I think this is the first time I've got only nine putts in nine holes. It was like a perfect day for me," said 24-year-old Weber, who is playing in his second year on the Asian Tour.
Thailand's Prom Meesawat, who won the Yeangder Tournament Players Championship in Taipei last month, shared the fifth place with American Sam Cyr, Australian Marcus Both and two others with one-under-par 71.
Defending champion Scott Hend of Australia meanwhile posted a disappointing 76 to tie for 75th place.
Leading scores after round 1(par 72):
68 - Lionel Weber (FRA)
70 - Nicholas Fung (MAS), Steve Lewton (ENG), Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA)
71 - Prom Meesawat (THA), Namchok Tantipokhakul (THA), Marcus Both (AUS), Sam Cyr (USA), Anthony Kang (USA)
72 - Boonchu Ruangkit (THA), Paul Peterson (USA), Cameron Smith (AUS), Sam Brazel (AUS), S.S.P Chowrasia (IND), Thaworn Wiratchant (THA), Unho Park (AUS), Sujjan Singh (IND), Gunn Charoenkul (THA), Javi Colomo (ESP), Yeh Wei-tze (TPE)