Indian golfer, Gaganjeet Bhullar, kickstarted his campaign with an impressive performance during the opening round of the Yeangder TPC golf championship on Thursday. Scoring three birdies in the initial three holes, he finished with a commendable 6-under 66. Bhullar, who previously clinched victory in this tournament back in 2012, concluded the day in a tie for the eighth position alongside seven other participants.
Stealing the spotlight, however, was Thailand's Natipong Srithong. He dominated the day with a remarkable bogey-free 9-under 63, positioning himself as the frontrunner.
Joining the Indian contingent, Karandeep Kochhar made a notable mark with a 5-under 67, settling into a tie for the 16th spot. S Chikkarangappa and Veer Ahlawat, both scoring a 68, shared the 31st position in a round characterized by low scores, largely attributed to the calm yet sweltering conditions.
Khalin Joshi and Yuvraj Sandhu, each with a score of 69, landed at T-49. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan and Ajeetesh Sandhu found themselves at T-60, with Kartik Sharma, Honey Baisoya, Jeev Milkha Singh, Rahil Gangjee, and Viraj Madappa trailing behind.
Highlighting Bhullar's performance, he began at the 10th hole, marking three consecutive birdies followed by six pars. His second nine witnessed birdies on the first, third, fourth, and eighth holes, with a single bogey on the sixth.
Kochhar's journey mirrored Bhullar's energy. Starting on the back nine, he registered a birdie on the 10th, and eight pars. The subsequent holes were packed with action as he achieved birdies on the first, third, fourth, sixth, and ninth.
Chikka and Ahlawat both boasted an eagle, complemented by four birdies and two bogeys.
Srithong's spectacular performance consisted of nine birdies, with a series of four from the 12th hole. He remains ahead of Sweden's Bjorn Hellgren, who recorded a 64.
The defending champion, Australia's Travis Smyth, secured a 65, parallel to scores achieved by Kosuke Hamamoto, Chapchai Nirat, Su Ching-hung, and Matthew Cheung.
This championship further magnifies Srithong's proficiency, recalling his victory at the 2015 Resorts World Manila Masters, marking only his fourth participation in the Asian Tour.
To conclude, the Yeangder TPC golf championship's inaugural round painted a vivid picture of golfing prowess and set the stage for thrilling rounds ahead.
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(With PTI inputs, powered by AI)
