It all clicked for JBe’ Kruger in the first round of the Hong Kong Open, where he carded a four under par 66 to be within two strokes of the early lead.

The Bloemfontein local won on the European Tour back in 2012, when he beat Germany’s Marcel Siem at the Avantha Masters.

He’s been unable to win since, but took steps towards that goal with Thursday round that included one dropped shot and five birdies.

The 30 year old was two strokes behind early leader Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who punctuated his round of 64 with a hole-our for eagle at the par-four 10th.

The Spaniard finished eighth in the European Tour’s Race to Dubai after missing no cuts in the 2016 season. A trophy would cap off an incredible season for the 32 year old, who made his debut at the Ryder Cup and played the weekend at all four majors.

Chasing him was France’s Sebastien Gros, who shot 65 for sole second and was followed by Kruger and eight others in third place on four under.

Justin Walters carded a respectable 67 after playing the back side in four under par, which gave him a share of 14th place early in the round.