Gangjee tied 11th, Randhawa struggles in TCL Classic

Beijing, Mar 16 (UNI) Rahil Gangjee turned out to be pick of the Indian contingent after his impressive opening round of six-under 66 earned the Kolkata pro the tied 11th position in the one million dollar TCL Classic on Hainan island near here today.

A 10th tee starter, Gangjee dropped one bogey in each nine -- on fifth and 14th holes -- but reeled off eight birdies, including three over the first four holes and then four in a row, from ninth to 12th, and one more on 16th to round off a highly satisfying day.

In contrast, his illustrious compatriot Jyoti Randhawa was done in by a poor front nine and a couple of birdies on his way back were the only highlights of a forgettable round that included bogeys on the third, fifth, eighth, ninth and 17th holes.The highest ranked Indian golfer languishes at the bottom of the table at 137th place.

Shiv Kapur also had an average round as he carded one-under 71 for the tied 88th place.

Among others, Gaurav Ghei (67) was tied 22nd, Jeev Milkha Singh (69) tied 49th and the duo of Amandeep Johl and Harmeet Kahlon sharing the 64th place after identical round of two-under 70.

Meanwhile, China's Liang Wen-Chong and American Edward Loar fired identical 10-under 62 to share the lead after first round at the par-72 Yalong Bay Golf Club.

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