Chittagong, Bangladesh, 21-03-2018
Bangladesh's Md Sajib Ali fires sensational seven-under-65, shares opening round lead with Indians Aman Raj, Harendra Gupta and Sri Lankan N Thangaraja
The second edition of the City Bank American Express Chittagong Open got off to a cracking start as four players, Bangladesh’s Md Sajib Ali, Indians Aman Raj and Harendra Gupta and Sri Lankan N Thangaraja, fired matching scores of seven-under-65 to take the joint lead in round one at the scenic Bhatiary Golf & Country Club in Chittagong.
Md Ismail, another Bangladesh professional, was one shot off the lead in fifth place at the BDT 50.00 lac event.
Dhaka-based professional Md Sajib Ali enjoyed an exceptional day with the putter and also kept the errors out as he put together a sensational 65 on day one. The 29-year-old Sajib, looking to improve on his tied 38th finish achieved at the first edition of the event last year, got his round going with a 12-feet birdie conversion on the fourth.
There was no stopping Sajib thereafter as he sank three more birdies on the front-nine including a 25-footer on the seventh. Sajib, who plays at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka, went on to produce a near-perfect approach shot on the 10th that resulted in a tap-in birdie. He added two more birdies with long-range putts on the 11th and 16th to end up with a career-best 65 to the delight of the home fans.
Sajib said, “I’m delighted to shoot my lowest score ever. My putting was the best part of my game today. Importantly, I kept myself out of trouble by finding all fairways and 15 greens in regulation. The 25-feet birdie conversion on the seventh was the highlight of my round. I drew a lot of confidence from that putt which in turn helped me raise my game further for the remaining part of the round.
Sajib, who turned pro just three years back, added, “It’s a great start to the week and gives me a solid foundation to build on. The course is in great shape this week. Reading the greens is not going to be easy here, so that will be my focus over the next three days.”
Harendra Gupta soared to the top on the back of two eagles. The Chandigarh golfer was level-par till the eighth but then conjured two eagles and four birdies against a lone bogey over the next 10 holes to climb into the joint lead. Both his eagles came as a result of five-foot conversions on the 11th and 18th.
Aman Raj made a slow start with a bogey on the second but then rallied with eight birdies to also grab a share of the lead. The 22-year-old Patna-based golfer’s round stood out for his excellent recoveries and par saves.
N Thangaraja, who finished fourth at the last PGTI event in Chennai, continued his good run of form with a seven-under on Wednesday. Thangaraja, who produced an astounding nine birdies at the cost of two bogeys en route his 65, displayed some outstanding chipping that set up a number of short birdie putts for him.
Md Ismail, who earned his card on the PGTI through the Qualifying School this year, returned a 66 to be on the leaders’ tail in fifth. Ismail had a golden run of five consecutive birdies from the fourth to the eighth during his first round.
Md Zamal Hossain Mollah, the leading Bangladeshi golfer in the field, settled for an even-par-72 on day one to be placed tied 21st.
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. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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