Rafick Ali sets pace at Tata Open with six-under 66

Jamshedpur, Nov 7 (UNI) Defending champion SSP Chowrasia returned an even-par round while fellow Kolkatan Rafick Ali shot an opening round of six-under 66 to steal a march over the rest of the field on the opening day of the Rs. 20 lakh Tata Open golf tournament here today.

Playing at the par-72 Belidh course, Rafick had eight birdies and two bogeys in his impressive round.

Delhi professional Naman Dawar shot the first ace of the season, when he holed out from the tee on the par-three, 162-yard first hole. It was a stunning start for Dawar who went on to complete his round in three-under 69.

''A hole-in-hole in always something to celebrate and it is good to begin a tournament with one,'' said Dawar, who is looking for his maiden win as a professional in India.

Defending champion SSP Chowrasia, twice winner here in 2003 and 2005, and hoping to add a third crown in the Steel City, started with an even par 72 with four birdies and as many bogeys, including one on the closing hole, the 18th.

''I missed a couple of short putts, but am sure I can make up over the next few days. I am glad my roommate Rafick has made a good start with a 66,'' said the smiling Chowrasia, who is having a great season on Asian Tour.

Chowrasia started the defence of his title with a bogey but caught up with a birdie on third. A bogey on sixth meant he was one-over for first half. He added birdies on 10th, 14th and 15th, but also dropped shots on 13th and 18th to finish an even par round.

Amritinder Singh had a fair start with two-under 70, as did Uttam Singh Mundy while Digvijay Singh started with a one-under 71.

Gurbaaz Mann had an off day when he went five-over for a 77.

Rafick had three birdies in a row from third to fifth and that set the tone for the day. He added two more on seventh and ninth and he was five-under for the front stretch. On the second nine, he birdied the 12th at which stage he was six-under, but a dropped shot on 14th and then again on 17th brought him back a bit. He, however, had birdies on 16th and 18th to close with a superb 66.

''I am very happy with the round as all parts of my game seemed to be working,'' said the Kolkata golfer.

The par for the course at Beldih Golf is 72 and it is 68 for Golmuri. On the third and fourth days, the combined par for the two courses will be 70.

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