Taipei, 01-10-2015
Rashid Khan off to flying start in Taiwan, placed second, one off lead
India’s Rashid Khan was off to a flying start at the US$650,000 Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Thursday as he shot a four-under-68 in round one to be placed second. Khan trailed the leader Danny Chia of Malaysia by one stroke at the Asian Tour event.
PGTI member Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh returned with a 69 to grab a share of third place at the challenging Taiwan Golf and Country Club’s Tamsui course.
Khan, a two-time winner of the Asian Tour, reeled in eight straight pars before making a birdie on the 18th to turn in one-under. He picked up another shot on the par-three second after missing a hole-in-one by six inches but stumbled with a bogey on the next as he was unable to get up-and-down for par.
Khan, however, recovered swiftly on the fifth where he unexpectedly saved a wayward tee shot out of bounce by hitting his second shot to 10 yards before chipping in for birdie.
“It was an up and down round for me. I played pretty consistent, hit a few bad shots but I recovered nicely from there. I hit it left on the fifth and the ball went out of bounce but I was lucky to find my ball inside the trees. It was a really tough shot there. I hit it to greenside and chip in nicely for birdie,” said the 24-year-old Indian.
“That got my game going. I went on to eagle the sixth hole after chipping in from greenside. It was a back-to-back chip-ins for me. The course is playing good. I will keep to the same things tomorrow and hopefully I can still see my name up there,” added Khan.
Siddikur surprised even himself after returning with an encouraging round highlighted by one eagle and three birdies against a lone bogey.
“It’s been a great day out there. I don’t have any expectations this week. I have been working on my game since after suffering from the back injury last year. It’s very encouraging to return with a good round today,” said the 30-year-old Bangladeshi, who had a 17-yard chip-in birdie on the par-three 17th hole.
Among the other Indians, Chikkarangappa shot a 72 to be tied 13th, Himmat Rai was tied 19th with a round of 73, Arjun Atwal, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Rahil Gangjee shot scores of 76 to be tied 57th. Chiragh Kumar’s 77 placed him tied 73rd while Angad Cheema was joint 109th at 81.
At the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Shiv Kapur’s three-over-75 in round one placed him tied 139th. Jeev Milkha Singh and SSP Chawrasia’s scores of 77 placed them tied 160th.
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.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
