World Classic: Abhijit Chadha at tied 7th best among Indians

Chadha, 24, who two months ago won the BILT Open on the Indian PGTI Tour for his second career title, had three birdies and three bogeys.

Shiv Kapur (72) was tied for 18th.

Abhijit Chadha, one of the new crop of Indian golfers, was the only Indian to card even par 71 to lie tied seventh after the first round of the World Classic Championship at Laguna National here today.

Chadha, 24, who two months ago won the BILT Open on the Indian PGTI Tour for his second career title, had three birdies and three bogeys.

He is two shots behind the quartet, which led the field at two-under 69 each.

Singapore-based Australian Scott Barr took full advantage of his local knowledge by carding a two-under-par 69 to share the first round clubhouse lead with Korea’s Jeunghun Wang, Australia’s Sam Brazel and Thailand’s Natipong Srithong.

Of the other Indians, Shiv Kapur (72) was tied for 18th, while SSP Chawrasia and Khalin Joshi, both bringing back 73 each were tied 24th on the tough course, often referred to as the ‘Beast’

Gaganjeet Bhullar carded 74 for a Tied 40th spot and trio of Shubhankar Sharma, Abhinav Lohan and Rashid Khan were tied 57th with 75 each.

Jeev Milkha Singh, captain of the Asian team for EurAsia Cup in January, and S Chikkarangappa carded 76 each and were Tied-74th, while last week’s winner of Panasonic Open India Chiragh Kumar (77), Kapil Kumar (78), Jyoti Randhawa (79), Himmat Rai (79) and Rahil Gangjee (81) struggled and will need to work hard to make the cut on Friday.

Only six players, who have completed their round, have broken par at the challenging 6, 935 yards par-71 World Classic course.

Barr was pleased that he managed to stay patient as he continues his chase for his maiden win on the region’s premier Tour.

Despite being three-over after seven holes in his starting back-nine 10, the Australian managed to recover well to move back atop the leaderboard.

Wang got more than he had bargained for when he surprised even himself to see his name among the leaders at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club.

Berry Henson of the United States together with Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena shared fifth place after returning with identical 70s at the USD 750,000 Asian Tour event.

Play was suspended for the day due to darkness but when the sirens went off to signal the suspension of play, there were still 21 players yet to complete their first round and will resume play at 7:30am (local time).