Macau, 15-10-2015
Defending champ Lahiri tied fourth in Macau, Siddikur is joint second
Anirban Lahiri bounced back in style after a disappointing Presidents Cup debut as he delivered a five-birdie round to lie two back of the leader on the opening day of the Asian Tour’s Venetian Macau Open. Lahiri, the defending champion, was placed tied fourth.
Thailand’s Thitiphun Chuayprakong eclipsed the stars with a flying seven-under-par 64 to snatch the first round lead at the US$1 million event on Thursday.
Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman, a PGTI member, shot a 65 to trail the leader by one in joint second.
It is a case of “beware the injured golfer” as two-time Asian Tour winner Siddikur enjoyed a bogey-free card to lie one back. He had to endure pain in the lower back due to a pinched nerve but with no expectation at all, Siddikur rose to the occasion.
“I set my mind to take it easy and to protect my back. I have lost about 10 yards in my driving and I’m already a short hitter! But if I can putt like today, it’s okay. I’m happy as after a long time, I had a bogey free round,” said the 30-year-old.
Anirban Lahiri, who was disappointed to not deliver a point for the Internationals at last week’s Presidents Cup, resumed his campaign for the Asian Tour Order of Merit crown with a top performance in the first round to be the highest-placed Indian in the field.
“It’s back to the usual I guess,” said the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader. “I think it was a solid round of golf. I misread a few. Hopefully I can make those six or eight footers through the rest of the week.”
The Indian trio of Chiragh Kumar, Abhijit Singh Chadha and Rahil Gangjee were tied eighth with scores of four-under-67.
The other Indians with sub-par rounds on the opening day were Kapil Kumar (69), Gaganjeet Bhullar (69), Jyoti Randhawa (69), all in tied 25th and Rashid Khan (70) and SSP Chawrasia (70), both in tied 37th.
At the European Tour’s Portugal Masters, Jeev Milkha Singh was tied 33rd in the clubhouse on the rain-marred first day after he shot a two-under-69 to lie five off the lead. The first round will be completed on Friday.
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
