Shamim sets course record to lead at Surya Nepal Masters

Kathmandu, Jun 4 (UNI) Indian golfers ruled the roost as Shamim Khan fired a bogey free 10-under par 62 to break the course record and grab the opening day's lead in the NPR two million prize money Surya Nepal Masters here today.

The Delhi lad has erased the record of compatriot Vinod Kumar who had shot a 9-under 63 a couple of years ago.

With birdies on the first, third, fifth and seventh on his front nine, the 30-year-old Khan continued the momentum in the back nine with birdies on 10th, 13th, 15th and 18th and eagled the par-5 12th.

The best part of his game was his iron-play where he peppered the flag every time and hit 17 greens-in-regulation and made 26 putts for the day.

''I felt very comfortable out there today with the green speeds to my liking and I hope to continue the good form over the week,'' Shamim said. ''The weather was also conducive and I really enjoyed it out there.'' Indians dominated on the first day with as many as seven in the top 10.

The top three positions are held by Indians with Gurbaaz Mann (65) and Vinod Kumar (68) at the second and third spots respectively.

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