New Delhi: Local favourite S.S.P Chowrasia was among five names on a packed leaderboard Thursday on the first day of the Indian Open after shooting a six-under par round of 65.
The Kolkata-born Chowrasia was level-pegging with Canada’s Richard Lee, Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat, Bangladeshi star Siddikur Rahman and Swede Joakim Lagergren after the start of the four-day event at Delhi Golf Club.
Chowrasia carded two birdies on the final three holes, playing alongside his fellow leader Lee who picked up four strokes on the back nine.
After Rahman and Chapchai also carded rounds of 65, Lagergren made it a five-way tie in the final round of the day.
Some of the tournament’s bigger names are still very much in contention, including the Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez who recorded a one-under par 70.
Chowrasia’s strong showing evoked memories of his victory on the same course at the 2008 Indian Masters where he defeated a field that included South Africa’s Ernie Els.
“I’ve played here many times so I know how to play this course,” Chowrasia said after completing his round.
“I made some good putts and was hitting it good off the tees. It looked easy but it wasn’t! My putting was good so that’s the key,” the 36-year-old told the Asian Tour’s website.
His partner Lee said he was delighted at having tamed what he called “a really challenging course” in the centre of the Indian capital.
“You have to hit the right shots at the right times and I managed to make a few putts too. I like playing tight courses like this one,” he added.
The $1.5 million (Dh5.5 million) event is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours.
