Seasoned professional golfer Rahil Gangjee, earlier, did not start his day well and suffered a rare two-shot penalty for coming late for his tee time. But he was quick to cope up and was tied eighth on the opening day of the Fiji International here. 

Gangjee quickly made up for the forgettable start with a solid showing that included a closing eagle enroute to an opening three-under 69.

He was the best among the three Indians in the field this week at the USD 1.14m event.

Gangjee was tied eighth and three shots behind the leader Daniel Pearce (66) of New Zealand.

S Chikkarangappa (74) was tied-67th, while Shubhankar Sharma (75) was tied 84th.

"I got confused with my tee time for the first time in my career even though I remember looking at it properly. It was a lesson learnt," said Gangjee.
 

"It was windy out there but I was prepared for it. I just stayed patient and I managed to hit some good shots out there today. I was waiting for my birdie chances but it’s so windy out there you can t really force it. You just have to let it come to you."