Mukesh, Toran in joint lead

Jan 04:  Mukesh Kumar and Toran Bikram Shahi ended the round one of the Tata Open 2008 as the joint leaders. Both of them shot identical scores of three-under 69 on day one at the Beldih Golf Course here on Thursday.

Amardip Sinh Malik, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Gurki Shergill, Ramesh Kumar and Mohd Siddikur Rehman were in the tied third place. While Malik returned a one-under 69 at Golmuri Golf Course, Bhullar, Shergill, Ramesh Kumar and Siddikur Rehman carded an identical one-under 71 at Beldih.

Half of the golfers played their 18 holes on the par 72 Beldih Golf Course on Thursday while the remaining golfers completed their rounds at the par 70 Golmuri Golf Course. On Friday each of them will switch off their venues to play vice-versa.

The two joint leaders of the day Mukesh Kumar (2002 Tata Open champion) and Toran Bikram Shahi had the best scores at Beldih, while Amardip Sinh Malik (one-under 69) recorded the best score at Golmuri.

The 2007 IOC Masters champion Mukesh Kumar shot into the joint lead with a card of 69. He came up with a birdie on the third hole then dropped a bogey on the sixth by missing a one-foot putt for par.

Subsequently, Mukesh made birdies on the seventh and ninth to be two-under at the turn. On the back nine Mukesh dropped a bogey on the 11th and sank birdies on the 14th and 16th.

“I think I have made a good start to the tournament. I feel I'm back to my best since winning the IOC Masters in November and now want to make the most of it,� said Mukesh after his round one performance.

“Today I was a little disappointed with my putting. I missed some easy putts on the sixth and 11th holes,� he added.

The other joint leader, Nepal's Toran Bikram Shahi who also shot 69, began his round by chipping in for a birdie on the second hole. He then made another birdie on the very next hole by sinking an eight feet putt. However, Shahi dropped a shot after he bogeyed the fourth hole.

The Delhi-based golfer had another good phase when he made consecutive birdies on the seventh and eighth holes. On the eighth he holed a 12 feet putt. Toran's back nine was quite steady as he made a bogey on the 14th and birdie on the 16th.

On his day's performance, Toran said, “Today I did not hit the ball well but putted extremely well. In fact, I putted like a demon.�

Defending champion SSP Chowrasia, who is eyeing his fourth Tata Open title, finished with an even par 72 at the Beldih. Digvijay Singh who is currently second on the PGTI Order of Merit for 2007-08 shot a three-over 73 at Golmuri.