Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia, 18-09-2014
Indians on top in Malaysia, Lahiri leads with opening 64, Chowrasia shoots 65 for joint second
Bhullar tied 44th in Wales
Indian star Anirban Lahiri enjoyed a birdie binge en route to a seven-under-par 64 for a two-shot lead after the first round of the Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters on Thursday.
ÂÂ
The 27-year-old Lahiri, currently second on the Asian Tour's Order of Merit, sank 10 birdies against three bogeys at the Seri Selangor Golf Club to put himself in prime position for a second win of the season.
ÂÂ
Countryman S.S.P. Chowrasia carded a 66 to share second place with Chinese Taipei's Chan Yih-shin in the RM1.3 million (approximately US$410,000) Asian Tour event.
 ÂÂ
An in-form Lahiri, who finished tied fourth in Taipei last weekend and was runner-up here last season, was delighted with his blistering start. “I'm really happy with how I played. I got off to a good start and made a couple of good putts. It could have been even better. I missed some short putts but I hit it really good,†said Lahiri, who is a four-time Tour winner.
ÂÂ
“I have a lot of positive energy coming into this week, having finished second here last year. It tells you that you can do it. I've figured out how to play on this golf course so it helps when you've played here a few times.â€Â
 ÂÂ
Chowrasia, a two-time Asian Tour winner, enjoyed a sparkling outward 30 with five birdies before coming home with two more birdies against two bogeys. “I started very well but struggled a bit on the back nine. This is a short but very tricky course. You always have to place the ball in the right spots,†said Chowrasia, who is currently 10th on the Order of Merit.
ÂÂ
“I've been working on every aspect of my game and I think the hard work is starting to show results,†he added.
Chiragh Kumar was the next best Indian in tied 21st at one-under-70 followed by Jyoti Randhawa in tied 37th place with a round of even-par-71.
Digvijay Singh's 72 placed him tied 54th while Rahil Gangjee, Rashid Khan and Manav Jaini shot scores of 73 to be tied 69th.
Arjun Atwal was tied 92nd after returning a score of 74.
Sujjan Singh (76) and Himmat Rai (77) occupied tied 117th and tied 125th places respectively.
ÂÂ
At the European Tour's ISPS Handa Wales Open, Gaganjeet Bhullar shot an even-par-71 to be tied 44th while Jeev Milkha Singh was one shot behind in tied 70th. Dutchman Joost Luiten was the leader at six-under-65.
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. 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
