Dodt got off to a hot start with consecutive birdies but it was the back-nine where he took the round to another level to eclipse 2018 champion Jake McLeod’s efforts from round three last year.

The impressive 11-under 61 score saw Dodt take the lead at Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club. And as his scorecard grew closer to that elusive 59, the Newcastle resident admitted the nerves crept in.

“When they all added up they added up to 61. That’s my best round in my career so far. I knew the conditions were going to be user-friendly this morning so I wanted to take real advantage of that,” Dodt said.

“I got off to a pretty good start, and then sort of got hot around the turn. I made a few birdies and an eagle at 11 and then I started getting a bit nervy because I thought ‘I’m getting pretty hot here’.

“I thought I had to make two coming in because I didn’t really know what I was but I didn’t give myself great chances on the last three holes. All in all it was a great day’s work.”

Following on from an opening round of 3-under 69, the 33-year-old believes he will need to keep the low scores coming if he is to be a contender come Sunday.

“This is my first time I’ve played here. I checked the scoring from the last two years and I know you’ve got to be 20-under to win,” he said.

“That was the goal at the start of the week and I’ve got to be at least there.

“The guys in Australia, they’re good players, so you’ve got to keep your foot down because they’re going to be right behind you. If you embrace it and take it on you can get after it.”

The winner of the Asian Tour’s 2019 Sarawak Championship was a hot favourite after receiving a last minute invite into the tournament.

Since claiming the victory in August, Dodt has made the cut in all six tournaments he has contested across the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour, something he credits to a thorough understanding of his game.

“I know myself a lot better. I know what works and what doesn’t,” Dodt said in comparison to previous years.

“I’ve been playing for 12 years on the professional circuit so I’ve a bit more experience. I know my strengths. When you work that out it becomes a lot easier.

“I’ve got a really good understanding of how I work, what makes me tick and I think the last 12 months have been really solid.”

A second round of 70 saw overnight leader Josh Younger take two off his second round total to sit three shots behind Dodt at 11-under the card.

James Marchesani and Jake Higginbottom remain in contention with second rounds of 68 and 66 respectively to sit tied for fifth at 7-under.

The afternoon field featuring rising stars Min Woo Lee and Justin Warren is now taking to the Twin Creeks layout.

After posting opening round scores of 8-under the pair will chase 6-under or better in round two.

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