Sensational Shiv on Goosen chase, Jeev rocks too

Doha, Jan 25 (UNI) Shiv Kapur used a putting tip from his caddie to devastating effect firing a superb five-under-par 67 to grab fourth spot after the first round of the 2.2 million dollar Commercialbank Qatar Masters here today.

Compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh also carded a flawless three-under 69 card to take tied ninth position while another Indian in fray, Jyoti Randhawa, was tied 38 after a modest one-under Round One.

Kapur, 25, blasted seven birdies as against two bogeys -- both of them on his back nine -- and was just two shots off the pace.

Multiple major winner Retief Goosen looked imperious as he returned a superb seven-under card to take the opening day honours.

Meanwhile it was Kapur, Asian Tour rookie of the year in 2005, who showed he has overcome the hangover of a final round collapse at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last week with a seven-birdie display at the Doha layout.

''Last week, I struck the ball solidly but couldn't putt. My caddie Neeraj then gave me some good advice yesterday. He asked me not to concentrate on the stroke or line and just stand there and make everything. That seems to have worked today,'' said Kapur.

A tenth tee-starter, Kapur started with a birdie but followed it up with two bogeys on the next five holes. That was it and the Indian never looked back from there.

He fired a birdie on the 17th to turn at lever par. He bagan his homeward journey with a bang firing four birdies in five holes. He gained another stroke at the seventh hole to sign off on a high note.

Meanwhile Jeev, the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit winner last year, enjoyed a bogey-free 69.

UNI