24 July,2009 09:40 AM IST | | IANS
Fresh from his British Open experience, Gaganjeet Bhullar, seen as the rising star of Indian golf, shot a three-under 69 to be three off the lead at the end of the first round of the Indonesia President Invitational yesterday.
The lead in the $4,00,000 Asian Tour event was shared by Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant, Finland's Pasi Purhonen and Australian duo Marcus Both and Darren Beck who all fired matching six-under-par 66s.
Bhullar was the best Indian at tied 15th, while Amandeep Johl, Rahil Gangjee and Manav Jaini shot two-under 70 each to be tied 30th. Anirban Lahiri was tied 47th at 71 and Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh were tied at 64th with an even par 72. Gaurav Ghei went two over 74 to be 98th and C Muniyappa struggled with a seven-over 79.
"I have played this course two times previously. The last time I played, I finished second over here so I've got good memories of this golf course," said Bhullar.
"Everything on this course is almost the same except the greens where they made new greens. Last time the greens were playing a bit easier. Maybe the greens are new and haven't matured so it is hard. It is also very sloppy so there are not many places to put the pins," Bhullar added.
The evergreen Thaworn, Asia's No 1 in 2005, sank three closing birdies from close range to extend his recent revival in form which has seen him win three smaller tournaments across the region.
"During the first six months of the year, I was doing everything the same as before but nothing happened for me. But recently, the putts started to roll in and things began to happen again," said the 10-time Asian Tour winner, who failed to register a single top-10 in the front half of the season.
Korea's Lee Sung, Thammanoon Srirot of Thailand and Australia's Adam Blyth one stroke behind the leaders on 67s. Singaporean prospect Quincy Quek, featuring in his first Asian Tour event as a professional, brilliantly fired seven consecutive birdies en route to a 68 to lie two off a crowded leaderboard.
