Gagan takes early lead in Sahi Amateur Golf

Chandigarh, Nov 11 (UNI) Leader on the LG Order of Merit list, Gagan Verma moved to the top of the leader board after the first round at the LG Samarvir Sahi Amateur Golf Tournament at the Chandigarh Golf Club here today.

Gagan shot a two under par 70 with just one bogey on his card.

Teeing off with the first group, Gagan had a steady front nine, making the turn with nine straight pars.

He dropped a shot on the 10th but got his game together to string three birdies on the back nine with the third coming on the closing hole to ensure that he finished under par for the round.

He has opened up a two-stroke lead over the chasing pack which included Kanishk Madan, Tarun Ghogale and Rashid Khan. Rashid with two wins on the trot on the LG Amateur Tour will be looking to make it three in a row and hoping to add the LG Samarvir Sahi Amateur title to his kitty.

Defending champion and local lad H.S. Kang shot a two over par 74 but is still in contention with three more rounds left to be played.

As many as ten players were within four shots of the lead. Gagan will have to play really well to hold on to his lead and move ahead of the pack.

Moin Malak, who recently won the title of the 'Best Amateur' at the Indian Open, had a tough outing, carding a round of ten over par and in danger of missing the cut. Scores: 1. Gagan Verma(70); 2.

Rashid Khan, Tarun Ghogale, Kanishk Madan (72); 5. Karan Vasudeva, Angad Cheema, Aman Guron (73); 8. Abhishek Jha, Manav Das, H.S. Kang, Abhinav Lohan (74).

UNI XC JN JS1801