Jeev makes a shaky start, Chopra has it easy

Houston, Texas, Mar 30 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh got off to a shaky start, carding a poor one-over 73 while Indian-born Swede Daniel Chopra enjoyed a smooth four-under-par 68 at the 5.5 million dollar Shell Houston Open here.

The first Indian to qualify for the Masters, Jeev fired in three birdies against four bogeys to be tied for the 73rd spot while Chopra, a former Asian Tour regular, carded five birdies against a lone dropped shot for a joint 10th place at the Redstone Golf Club.

The 35-year-old Jeev will have to come up with a vastly improved performance as he hopes to extend his run of success on the international fairways in the hope that it will generate greater interests in the game in India.

Besides, the event is all the more important for Jeev as he is playing on a course set up to mimic Augusta National, the venue for next week's US Masters.

After becoming the first Indian to get a chance to play the Masters, Jeev had admitted it was a dream come true for him.

''I've always dreamt about playing in the Masters. When I was young, I would joke with my friends on the golf course that I've got a putt to win the Masters,''he had said.

UNI