Linkou, Chinese Taipei, 05-09-2019
Karandeep Kochhar scores a five-under-67 in Round 1 of Yeangder TPC to be tied second, one off the lead
India's Karandeep Kochhar produced six birdies and a bogey en route his opening round of five-under-67 to grab a share of second place at the Asian Tour's Yeangder Tournament Players Championship (TPC) in Linkou, Chinese Taipei.
Kochhar, who had finished inside the top-15 at the last edition of the event, trailed the leader Thailand's Kosuke Hamamoto, by one shot. Karandeep was placed in tied second along with seven others.
ÂÂ
Kochhar said, "It was a tough day. My round was suspended twice. I am lucky to finish before they blew the horn again. The second time we went out, the winds were really blowing hard on the last three holes. But I think I held up very well. I putted very well and I think that was the key.
"The greens are quite tricky here. They are not easy to read. My game, overall, is in a good shape. I am happy with the way I played. I made a good up and down for birdie on the fourth hole. My second shot went into the bunker but I hit it to 10 feet from there and made the putt.
"I really wanted to get the round done when I was playing the last few holes. I have been up since 4am and its been a long day. It's been awhile since I played this well. I didn't play as well in Sarawak. My putting wasn't good then so I went back home and worked with my coach, especially on my putting. I think that has really paid off.
"I played here last year as well. The Asian Tour is really nice to give me an invite this year. I remember playing in similar conditions last year too. I shot a seven-over in the first round and then a six-under in the second round to make the cut and eventually finished in the top-15.
"I think that experience of playing in this kind of rainy conditions last year has helped because I was able to handle myself better when faced with the same conditions again out there."
ÂÂ
Shiv Kapur was the next best Indian in tied 15th with a score of 69.
ÂÂ
ÂÂ
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
