Khon Kaen, Thailand, 27-11-2014
Indian duo of Chowrasia and Lahiri shine on opening day at King's Cup
The Indian duo of SSP Chowrasia and Anirban Lahiri, both winners on the Asian Tour in 2014, fired an ominous warning to their rivals when they took a share of the opening round lead at the King’s Cup on Thursday.
Chowrasia charged into the early morning lead with a seven-under-65 while Lahiri, who had an afternoon start, enjoyed a flawless round that was highlighted by seven birdies at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.
Asian Tour rookie Kalem Richardson of Australia posted a bogey-free 66 to share third place with Thailand’s Phiphatphong Naewsuk and Danthai Boonma at the US$500,000 Asian Tour event.
Chowrasia, who lifted his third Asian Tour title on home soil earlier this month, displayed similar winning intentions with a near perfect card that was otherwise spoilt by a lone bogey on his closing par-four nine.
Fresh off his victory at home, the 36-year-old also showed his fondness for playing in Asia again.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, he made a quick start with three birdies in his opening four holes.
Chowrasia then raced further ahead with five more birdies in his next seven holes after the turn before a bogey on the closing ninth hole put the brakes on his charge.
“I’m pleased with how I’ve played as I shot a really low number. It was unfortunate on the last hole as I hit a good tee shot and again a second shot. But I three-putted there.
“Indian players are doing very well this year and I’ll try to win my first title abroad this week. My season has been very good. I didn’t play well at Q School in Europe but I’m doing well in Asia,” said Chowrasia.
Lahiri also put up another commanding performance which would bridge the Order of Merit gap with Korean-American leader David Lipsky.
While it is still early days at the King’s Cup, the five-time Asian Tour winner is hopeful of keeping up his rich vein of form.
“There’s still a long way to go as it’s just the first day and I’m happy with my start. I’ve got to keep pushing on from here.
‘I played really solid today right from the start and gave myself lots of chances. I took a couple of them but also missed a few but overall it has been a good day,” said Lahiri, who trails Lipsky by slightly over US$160,000 in second place on the money list.
Chikkarangappa was the other Indian who had a bright start on Thursday. He carded a three-under-69 to be placed tied 21st.
Rashid Khan and Rahil Gangjee were in tied 59th at 71 while Arjun Atwal and Chiragh Kumar were bunched together in tied 86th place at 72.
Himmat Rai shot a 75 to be tied 119th.
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