Indians make rusty start in China; Ghei tied 56th

Sanya, China, Mar 15 (UNI) Gaurav Ghei led the Indian charge with a two-under 70 but was still lying at tied 56th spot after the first round of the one million dollar TCL Classic here today.

However, his countrymates Amandeep Johl and Shiv Kapur looked rusty and will have to get their act right to avoid the cut tomorrow on the co-sanctioned Asian Tour and European Tour event at the Yalong Bay Golf Club.

Ghei had a better back nine, reeling off three birdies on the 12th, and successive ones on the 16th and 17th holes compared to a lone birdie on the eighth hole. However, he also dropped two bogeys, which robbed him off a decent finish on the first day.

On the other hand Amandeep Johl managed an even-par finish, hitting four birdies and an identical number of bogeys but Shiv Kapur was eratic, brilliant at one moment and ordinary the next.

Shiv hit as many as five birdies but spoilt his chances by faltering with two double bogeys on the 11th and 15th holes.

Meanwhile, big-hitting Thai Chapchai Nirat set a course record with a flawless 11-under-par 61 to take a three shot lead over early pace-setter Rafael Echenique of Argentina, who had to settle for second place on the leaderboard after a 64.

UNI