Atwal on a birdie spree, tied fourth after Round One

Pebble Beach, Ca., Feb 8 (UNI) Determined to make the most of his conditional exemption at the USPGA, Arjun Atwal braved windy conditions to card a superb five-under 67 for tied forth spot after the opening round at the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am here.

A picture of concentration, Atwal seemed to have put behind a horrendous year when the Orlando (Fla.)-based Indian shot into contention with a five-birdie burst, all in consecution, soon after he teed off.

The 33-year-old, who surrendered a full American Tour card last year, mixed six birdies as against a bogey towards the end to finish just two strokes shy off the three-way lead held by Americans Phil Mickelson, John Mallinger and Nick Watney.

Giving Atwal company were Jason Schultz and World No two Jim Furyk while Indo-Swede Daniel Chopra carded one-under 71 Round One to occupy tied 42nd spot in a tough field Sans Tiger Woods.

A par putt on the first hole was hardly a precursor to what followed as Atwal reeled off five birdies in succession from the second to the sixth in a flawless front nine.

The Indian was more wary on his return journey and missed couple of chances to gain strokes before sinking in another birdie on the penultimate hole. However, the only blemish of the day came when he signed off with a bogey on the par-five last.

''I like the place (Pebble Beach) and feel very comfortable here even though some complain about the conditions here," Atwal said later.

Meanwhile, Daniel Chopra had an erratic outing and the Indo-Swede mixed four birdies and three bogeys for his 71.

UNI