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Gurgaon, India, February 28
Unheralded Shamim Khan
of India upstaged some of the biggest names in golf to
grab a share of the first round lead at the Johnnie Walker
Classic on Thursday.
The 28-year-old Khan fired a sparkling five-under-par 67
at DLF Golf and Country Club and set up the possibility of
becoming the second Indian winner of a major tournament on
home soil in the past month.
The slightly-built Indian was joined atop the leaderboard
by Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik, who carded six birdies
against a lone bogey in the US$2.5 million event dubbed
the Asia Pacific’s premier golf tournament.
Khan’s stunning performance marked a memorable first day
for the Indian contingent as Jeev Milkha Singh, the Asian
Tour’s number one in 2006, ended the day in a share of
third place alongside compatriot Rahil Gangjee and nine
other players following a 68 while US-based Arjun Atwal,
Shiv Kapur and Arjun Singh were a further stroke back.
Reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion Liang
Wen-chong of China also enjoyed a solid start when he
overcame a double bogey for a 69.
The marquee names at the Johnnie Walker Classic endured
mixed days. World number five Adam Scott of Australia
battled into the mix with a 68 and could have led on his
own if not for a double bogey on his 16th hole when he
sprayed his tee shot into the water.
Three-time Major champion Vijay Singh of Fiji carded a 70
but Europe’s Ryder Cup stars Colin Montgomerie of Scotland
and England’s Ian Poulter struggled with a 74 and 76
respectively.
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The day however belonged
to Khan. “I’m really happy that in such a star-studded field, I’m at
the top of the leaderboard. I can’t explain it in words,” said a
beaming Khan.
Three weeks ago, S.S.P. Chowrasia secured a life-changing victory at
the Emaar-MGF Indian Masters which served as an inspiration for the
likes of Khan. Like Chowrasia, Khan is also a former caddie and
plies his trade on the domestic circuit where he has won once.
He took only 24 putts on the tricky DLF greens, holing from long
range on the 11th and 16th holes and enjoyed a chip-in birdie as
well on the seventh. If he continues to wield his putter like a
magic wand, Khan’s world could well change this week. “My putting
was very good. I took only 24 putts and I drove it good as well,”
said Khan.
“S.S.P. is an old friend of mine. I have been inspired by his recent
victory. It has set the tone for us to do well in the international
events that come to India. I’m concentrating on my game and will
take it one step at a time.”
Vancsik, part of an exciting quartet of Argentine players who
triumphed on the European Tour last season, continued to show his
growing prowess as he shot up the leaderboard with some wonderful
play.
“I have been working hard since the end of the season. I have worked
with my coach and psychology for this year and I feel very well.
Every player in Argentina feels more confident after what happened
last year,” said Vancsik.
The tournament’s favourite, Scott, was left ruing a poor tee shot on
the 16th which prevented him from taking a firm grip of the Johnnie
Walker Classic. However, he managed to draw on the positives from
his day in the office.
“One poor shot but I don’t think that it really spoiled the round. I
was very pleased with everything,” said Scott, who was cruising at
five under through 15 holes before his late mishap. “I got off to a
good start, kept myself right in the tournament. I need to go out
tomorrow morning and try and put a number on the board and get the
guys to start chasing it.”
Jeev soared to the top of the leaderboard momentarily but late
bogeys prevented him from taking the sole lead. He missed a short
par putt on the 16th and found the hazard on 17th hole. “It’s a good
test of golf,” said Singh of the Arnold Palmer-designed course. “I
played solid for 15 holes but caught a couple of bad breaks.”
World number 11 Vijay failed to come to grips with the tricky DLF
greens as he shot three birdies against two bogeys. “It was very
disappointing. I hit the ball really good but didn’t putt
particularly well and threw away a few shots. I must have hit five
or six loose shots out there. Two under is under par but it’s very
disappointing,” said Singh.
“The greens are very hard to putt on. They are very grainy and to
read the grains is half the problem. It really helps having local
knowledge,” he added.
The local Indian contingent would certainly love to prove Vijay
right.
Leading first round scores
For further information, please contact the Asian Tour’s Chuah Choo
Chiang at the Johnnie Walker Classic Media Centre
Tel: +91 124 734810. Also visit
www.asiantour.com
for live scoring.
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