November 28th 2013, Jakarta, Indonesia: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar rediscovered some of his best form when he shot a seven-under-par 64 to hold a two-shot lead after the opening round at the Indonesia Open on Thursday.
The tenacious Indian, who is playing in his 10th straight event, held an edge over the chasing pack after shooting a flawless round highlighted by seven birdies at the US$750,000 Asian Tour event.
Young guns Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia, who finished tied fifth in the Philippines two weeks ago, continued to shine as they stayed two shots back from Bhullar.
They are tied for second alongside Americans Anthony Kang and Berry Henson, Korean Mo Joong-kyung and Malaysia’s Shaaban Hussin at the Pantai Indah Kapuk course at Damai Indah Golf.
Playing in Indonesia, the country where he won his first Asian Tour title in 2009, has brought out the best in Bhullar, who missed only one fairway and was equally dominant on the greens where he made 27 putts.
After turning in 34, Bhullar, ranked sixth on the Order of Merit, shifted into fifth gear and was rewarded with five straight birdies starting from the fourth hole.
“The way I’ve been striking the ball from the first tee, I knew I could go low because my striking was right up there. Once my putts started falling, that’s when I went really low,” said the four-time Asian Tour winner.
The 25-year-old Bhullar finished second at the Avantha Masters on home soil in March but has struggled to emulate last year’s performance where he won two titles. However, he remains upbeat and is prepared to make amends after finishing last among the elite 60-man field at the World Cup of Golf in Australia last week.
“Mentally I know that I always try to win every tournament I play in. I didn’t play bad at all last week. It was just a matter of a few bad bounces. I wasn’t upset with my performance because I was hitting the ball good. It is only a matter of time before my short game improved and it happened today,” said Bhullar.
Jazz, who celebrated his 18th birthday four days ago, continued his encouraging form after finishing tied fifth at the Resorts World Manila Masters two weeks ago. Playing with Bhullar served as an inspiration for the young Thai.
“Playing in the same group as Gaganjeet helped me because he motivated me to play well. My result in Manila has given me a lot of confidence coming into this week,” said Jazz, who carded six birdies against one bogey.
Kang, a three-time Asian Tour winner but not since 2009, stayed in touch with the leader after battling to a round of six birdies and one bogey.
“I find the course to be very difficult so I’m very happy with my round. There have been a few hits and misses but overall, my game is in shape. I’ve made five consecutive cuts so hopefully I can continue to play well,” said Kang.
The 39th edition of Indonesia’s national championship, which has a rich and illustrious history dating back to its first edition in 1974, is the nation’s oldest golf tournament.
