Johl withdras, Gurbaaz tied 25th at Philippines Open

Manila, May 25 (UNI) After Amandeep Johl's withdrawl, Gurbaaz Mann's one over-73 turned out to be pick of the lot as opening round woes came back to haunt the Indian golfers in the Philippines Open here today.

Scott Strange returned a card of four-under 68 at the tricky Wack Wack Golf and Country Club's East course, to stay one shot adrift of a quartet.

Gurbaaz began well, offsetting for the lone front nine bogey with three birdies but he lost three shots over the last two holes, including a double bogey on the 17th, to finish tied 25th.

Kolkata pro SSP Chowrasia was one-stroke behind at tied 46th, followed by the quintet of Uttam Singh Mundy, Jaiveer Virk, Harinder Gupta, Harmeet Kahlon and Digvijay Kahlon who carded identical rounds of 75.

Seasoned Gaurav Ghei returned four-over 76, while Arjun Singh went for seven-over 79, as did Amritinder Singh.

UNI XC AY PM SSC1557