Atwal continues poor show, tied 119th at St Jude Classic

Memphis, May 26 (UNI) A birdie on the ninth was the only saving grace as Arjun Atwal continued his horrendous run carding a poor six-over 70 opening round in the 5.2 million dollar FedEx St Jude Classic here.

The Orlando-based Indian -- playing his back-nine first -- found himself struggling for form once again and gave a forgettable performance to be tied 119th.

Atwal, who missed the cut at the Colonial Classic last week, will find it difficult to stay in contention this week as well after the pathetic first round show, in which he bogeyed five holes and double-bogeyed once.

The former Asian Tour number one started off level-par before stumbling on the 13th with a double-bogey. He dropped another shot on the 17th before starting his first-nine, which was even worse.

He dropped three shots between the first and fourth and bogeyed again on the eighth before signing off with the solitary birdie.

At the top of the table, American Chris Smith carded a sizzling six-under 64 to take the sole lead two shots clear off compatriot DA Points.

UNI XC PM VJ PM1154