Jeev in top-20 at Volvo Masters despite modest start

Sotogrande, Spain, Oct 27 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh carded a modest level-par 71 in the opening round to be tied for the 19th spot in the five million dollar Volvo Masters here.

Jeev, who earned his place in the elite field with his 44th ranking on the European Tour Order of Merit, sank in three birdies against three bogeys to be five shots behind leader and local hope Jose Manuel Lara in the European Tour's season ending event.

The 34-year-old Indian had a flawless front nine studded with birdies on the fourth and eighth but lost his way in his return journey. Jeev stumbled to bogeys on the 11th, 14th and 16th before signing off with a last hole birdie.

Jeev, who was in the top-20 at the Mallorca Classic on Sunday, shared his tied 19th spot with -- among others -- Spaniard Sergio Garcia.

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