Chowrasia, Robert rock on Day 1 at Malaysian Open

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 8 (UNI) SSP Chowrasia gave a glimpse of the rare talent that he is as the Kolkatan caddie-turned-pro fired in seven birdies en route to a sole second position after Round One of the 1.3 million dollar Maybank Malaysian Open here today.

Chowrasia displayed some excellent putting to card a superb five-under 67 and move within a stroke of the pace. Robert Rock of England took the opening day honours after playing a brilliant six-under 66 card at the championship jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

In fact, Chowrasia charmed Saujana's Palm course -- also called 'The Cobra' for it tricky green -- well and was leading the field at the half way mark as he played a flawless front nine and turned at four-under.

The Kolkatan, in his second year on the Asian Tour, sank in another birdie on the 10th hole. He fumbled slightly dropping back-to-back bogeys on the par-four 14th and 15th but recovered well by gaining a stroke each on the 16th and 18th holes.

Chowrasia later revealed that he was initially overwhelmed by daunting challenge that the Palm course poses but a chat with compatriot Rahil Gangjee and a good warm-up this morning pushed him to the forefront.

The 28-year-old enjoyed a memorable rookie season on the Asian Tour in 2006 with three top-10s but endured the heartbreak of being disqualified at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters when he led by three shots as he had not signed his scorecard.

''I'll try to win this year. This week? I don't know. I am aiming for one this year,'' said Chowrasia, who was beaten in a play-off by Jyoti Randhawa for the Hero Honda Indian Open title last October.

Among other Indians in the fray, Rahil occupied tied 11th position with a two-under 70 Round One. Ace Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh was tied 21st after carding one-under 71.

Gaurav Ghei (72) took tied 36th spot while Amandeep Johl (71) went over par for tied 49th spot. However, major disappointment came from Shiv Kapur and Jyoti Randhawa who carded four-over 76 and five-over 77 respectively to end up at the bottom of the basket.

UNI