Gagan helps IOCL take lead at 27th PSPB Inter-unit golf

Greater Noida, Nov 17 (UNI) Gagan Verma shot a brilliant five-under 67 to help IOCL 'A' take lead a two-stroke lead on opening day of the strokeplay format in the 27th PSPB inter Unit Golf Tournament at Jaypee Greens Golf Resort here today.

In a team of a maximum of five players, three scores counted towards the team total and the members contributing to the score other than Gagan were Karan Vasudev and Shaurya Singh. IOCL finished the day at seven-under 209.

A star-studded OIL India 'A' proved to be good hosts on and off the course as they let go the advantage. Their team boasted of having three of its the amateurs -- Gaganjeet Bhullar, Joseph Chakola and Chirag Kumar - representing India in the forthcoming Doha Asian Games. However, it was only Chirag who contributed to the team's total along with Simarjeet Singh and Ranjit Singh with their team aggregating five-under 211.

OIL 'B' were lying third at 214 with HS Kang, Manav Das and Rahul Bakshi contributing to their team's total.

In the ladies, the top amateurs of the country Irina Brar, Shruti Khanna and Vaishavi Sinha amongst others are in fray.

Top teams: 1. IOCL 'A' 209 ( Gagan Verma 67, Karan Vasudev 71, Shaurya Singh 71); 2. Oil India 'A' 211: Chirag Kumar 68, Ranjit Singh 69, Simarjeet Singh 74; 3. Oil India 'B' 214: (HS Kang 70, Manav Das 72, Rahul Bakshi 72).

Individual scores: 1. Gagan Verma 67; 2. Chirag Kumar 68; 3. Ranjit Singh 69.

UNI DH PM BD1932