Hong Kong, 22-11-2018
Arjun Atwal shoots four-under-66 in opening round of Honma Hong Kong Open to trail leading trio by one
India’s Arjun Atwal stayed one shot back of first round leaders Yusaku Miyazato of Japan, Australia’s Jason Scrivener and England’s Aaron Rai after he signed for an opening four-under-par 66 at the European Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned HONMA Hong Kong Open on Thursday.
Atwal took the clubhouse lead in the morning but was dislodged from the top of the leaderboard when the trio made their moves at the Hong Kong Golf Club under more favourable weather conditions in the afternoon.
Based in Florida in the United States, the 45-year-old flew into Hong Kong ready to put up a performance befitting of his reputation as one of Asia’s golf legends.
Atwal, who is no stranger to success having won the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2003 and enjoying multiple victories across Asia, Europe and the United States, returned with a flawless card that was highlighted by four birdies on holes one, three, four and 17.
Arjun, who last won on the Asian Tour in 2014, said, "It was unexpected, but I'll take it. It was really tough out there today. Especially early in the morning, it was really cold and windy. Felt like it was coming from all over. I'm really happy with the score.
"I have no thoughts now because I haven't really played much the last two months. The last time I played I pulled out of a tournament in Japan. I'm just going to take each day as it comes and try my best.
"I’m trying to get rid of my jetlag. I've been getting up at like 3 am every day. I'm just going to go home and rest and come out tomorrow and try again.
"I love Hong Kong as a city. I've been lucky enough to win here at Clearwater Bay, but it's definitely one of my favourite cities, as well, and then the vibe that you get in this tournament, you know, just when you step on the golf course is awesome, for me, anyway. I love it."
Atwal's fellow Indian Khalin Joshi shot a 68 to be tied ninth.
Shubhankar Sharma's 69 placed him tied 23rd while Ajeetesh Sandhu and SSP Chawrasia were another shot back in tied 41st.
Chiragh Kumar occupied tied 53rd place at 71.
Source: Asian Tour
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