Chowrasia, Gurbaaz off to a flying start

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Aug 31 (UNI) Powered by an eagle on the par five 11th hole, SSP Chowrasia carded a superb five-under 67 opening round for an impressive tied 12th position at the 300,000 dollar Pulai Springs Malaysian Masters here today.

Giving Chowrasia company was, among others, fellow Indian Gurbaaz Mann who fired six birdies as against a sole bogey on the 12th hole to return an identical card.

The Indian duo were four strokes off the lead which was shared by South African Anton Haig and Aussie ace Marcus Both.

The start couldn't have been better for Chowrasia who played his back nine first and banged in an eagle on the 11th. Consecutive birdies on the 16th and 17th holes saw Chowrasia making the turn at four under.

He went on to gain another stroke at fifth hole but dropped one on the eighth. Chowrasia signed off in style with a birdie on the last hole.

Meanwhile, talented Shiv Kapur, after his return from the World Golf Championships, shot a four-under 68 and shared the tied 22nd position with, among others, Amandeep Johl and Digvijay Singh.

Ace golfer Jyoti Randhawa had a modest outing and returned a modest two under card for the tied 62nd postion. A shot behind but at tied 79 was Gaurav Ghei whereas Rahil Gangjee, who finished tied third at Brunei Open last week, was lying at tied 99th along with Arjun Singh, P Paramaswaran, Uttam Mundy and Vivek Bhadani after an even par show.

UNI XC DH AY DS1650