Randhawa off to a flyer in Dubai, Kahlon, Jeev stay in hunt

Dubai, Feb 1 (UNI) India's Jyoti Randhawa made a solid start for a title bid at the Dubai Desert Classic trophy, carding a six-under-par 66 to finish tied third after the first round here today.

The 34-year-old Randhawa was in devastating form, particularly from the 16th to 18th holes, firing in birdies in each of them after sinking in five more birdies at the Emirates Golf Club.

Randhawa, who already has two top-10 finishes on the European Tour this season, however, did not enjoy a bogey-free round as he sank in two bogeys on the seventh and 15th holes.

Meanwhile, Jeev Milkha Singh had an ordinary day for a two-under-par 70 score, pocketing three birdies, all on the front nine to finish tied 37th.

The only other Indian in the fray Kahlon Harmeet stayed in the hunt, sinking in four birdies for a three-under-par 69 score to be tied 18th behind World No.1 Tiger Woods' four-under-par 68.

Randhawa now shares third spot alongside South African Ernie Els and Jose Manuel Lara of Spain.

The day, however belonged to Ross Fisher of England and Graeme Mcdowell of Ireland, both finishing joint leaders with a seven-under-par 65.

Woods, who pipped Els for the title in a playoff last year, was placed tenth alongside seven others.

UNI