Ashok Kumar takes first round lead at Solaris Global Green Open

Bangalore, Feb 22 (UNI) Ashok Kumar carded a flawless six-under 64 to grab the first round lead at the Rs 60 Lakh Solaris Global Green Open at the par-70 Bangalore Golf Club today.

Teeing off from the 10th, Ashok maintained his excellent form that saw him win the IndianOil XtraPremium Masters in Digboi earlier this month.

''My driving and iron-play are both very good, but I did not putt too well today. All my birdies were within one or two feet and I just did not hole any long putts,'' said Ashok, who finished tied fourth at the Emaar-MGF PGTI Championship here in December.

Meanwhile, current PGTI Order of Merit leader, Harmeet Kahlon was in the sole second place after a four-under 66 today. The Chandigarh-pro said, ''I am comfortable with the way I am playing but these greens are tough to read which makes scoring tough," said Harmeet after his round.'' Digvijay Singh carded a three-under 67 for a tied third spot alongside Rahul Ganapathy, Vivek Bhandari, Kunal Bhasin.

Meanwhile, tournament favourite SSP Chowrasia did not have a very eventful round, carding a one-under 69.

''I just did not drive the ball well. My driving has been troubling me of late and I missed everything right today,'' he said.

UNI