Chopra makes strong start at FBR Open, tied 8th after 1st round

Scottsdale, Arizona, Feb 2 (UNI) An 18th hole bogey robbed him of a top-5 spot but Indian-born Swede Daniel Chopra's sizzling five-under 66 was enough to ensure him the tied eighth position after the first round of the six million dollar FBR Open here.

Chopra was well on course to end the day at tied second but a dropped shot on the last hole left him a shot behind the six others, who shared the spot behind leader Dudley Hart. With eight birdies against a lone bogey, the American returned a sensational seven-under 64 to be a shot clear.

Chopra, meanwhile, sank in six birdies before the final hole stumble. The Swede could not have asked for a better start as he opened with a birdie and followed it up with two more on the third and fourth.

Making the turn at three-under, Chopra continued with his fine form on an overcast and chilly day to gain shots on the 12th, 15th and 17th before ending with a disappointing bogey on the par-four 18th hole.

UNI