LIVE SCORING
March 22nd 2011, New Delhi: Anirban Lahiri led the Indian charge at the SAIL Open after shooting a sparkling opening round six-under-par 66 on Tuesday.
Lahiri’s decision to leave his driver out of the golf bag paid off tremendously as he took a one stroke lead at the challenging Delhi Golf Club.
There is a three-way tie for second place between India’s in-form Gaganjeet Bhullar, Anura Rohana of Sri Lanka and Japanese Daisuke Maruyama at five under 67 in the US$300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI.
India’s Manav Jaini, who is playing at his home course, shares fifth place with Bangladesh’s Md Siddikur Rahman, Thai golfers Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Prom Meesawat and Japan’s Akinori Tani.
Lahiri said it was the first time in 11 years since he opted not to use a driver and was rewarded with five birdies and one eagle against one bogey for his best score at the Delhi Golf Club.
“I’m hitting my three wood and that’s good enough. I decided yesterday evening to take my driver out. It was partly because this golf course has narrow fairways and also because I haven’t been hitting it very well with my driver,” said the 23-year-old.
He was delighted with his strong start but admitted that he could have gone lower. “I missed about six putts inside 12 feet for birdie but I’m not complaining. I’m just happy I’m giving myself a lot of scoring opportunities,” he said.
Gaganjeet Bhullar has been on a roll this year, having already won four events. He continued his excellent form with a solid 67.
Bhullar said, “I had a couple of victories earlier this year. It was a good round today and I’m definitely enjoying more success this year compared to the last few years. Shooting a 67 at Delhi Golf Club is a good result even though it could have been better but you have to just go with the flow.”
PGTI member Anura Rohana of Sri Lanka was in joint second along with Bhullar. He fired seven birdies against two bogeys.
Manav Jaini shot a bogey-free 68 to be placed tied fifth along with four others.
He said, “I was hitting really well but never really got the momentum going. I made regulation on all holes and could’ve gone deeper had my putter been hot.
“I hit a great eight iron shot from 140 yards on the sixth that landed a couple of inches from the pin. I also made a 15-footer for birdie on the 14th.”
Mukesh Kumar and Ajeetesh Sandhu are tied 10th at three under 69.
Mr. C S Verma, Chairman, SAIL, reiterated the sponsor’s commitment on the opening day of the event, saying, “I would like to extend my warmest greeting to all the participants of SAIL Open 2011. It gives me great pleasure to learn that various golfing champions from all over the world are participating in this tournament which SAIL is hosting for the 4th consecutive year.
“On behalf of SAIL, I wish all the participants the very best for an exciting and competitive week of golfing action.”
