Feroz Ali, Vijay Kumar grab spotlight

CHANDIGARH, March 26: Winner of the Indian Classic Open and Balrampur Chini Open, Feroz Ali of Calcutta, and Mahindra PGAI Order of Merit le...

CHANDIGARH, March 26: Winner of the Indian Classic Open and Balrampur Chini Open, Feroz Ali of Calcutta, and Mahindra PGAI Order of Merit leader, Vijay Kumar of Lucknow, displayed consistent driving, pitching and putting to hold the spotlight on Day One of the Rs eight lakh Tai-Pan Mercedes Benz Chandigarh Open Golf Championship at the par-72 Chandigarh Golf Course here today. Both returned an identical two under round of 70 to lead a field of 84 professionals.

Twenty-six year old Feroz finished the first nine holes in 34 (two under par) and the inward journey ended at par 36. He had birdies on the first, second, eighth and 15th holes while hit bogeys on the fourth and 18th.

Vijay Kumar could have emerged the sole leader on the inaugural day had he not muffed an eagle on the second hole. He also missed a chip-putt on the 10th hole. However, his birdies on the second, 13th and 16th holes paved the way to share the lead with Feroz.

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It may be recalled that Vijay and Feroz were tied after four rounds in theBalrampur Chini Open in Lucknow recently. Feroz won the title after six holes of playoff.

Rohtas Singh of Delhi and Mukesh Kumar of Mhow were joint second with one under round of 71. Veteran Rohtas Kumar was in total control till he lost lost concentration on the last two holes where he had bogeys. His birdies came on the second, fourth, 10th and 11th holes.

Mukesh also had a creditable score of 33 (three under par) on the first nine holes. He hit birdies on the third, 16th and 18th holes. However, he found the course conditions more challenging in the remaining holes. He covered the incoming journey with 38 (two over par) dropping strokes on the sixth, 11th, 15th and 17th.

Mukesh was the only player who could have achieved a rare distinction of hole in one on third hole with seven iron which hit the pin and bounced back. His game was studded with an eagle on the second hole with driver two iron and five feet putt.

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On a day when other local golfers, including Jeev Milkha Singh, Amandeep Johl andAmritinder Singh failed to adjust their games on their home course and gave a disappointing performance, KPS Shekhon gave the local fans something to cheer about.

Johl, Indrajit Bhalotia and Arjun Atwal played identical one over par round of 73. Jeev was comfortably placed at 35 (one under par). However, the top Indian pro golfer met his warterloo while returning. His 10th tee shot went into the woods. On the 17th hole he three putted for a double bogey from three feet and finished with a card of 77.

LEADING SCORERS: 70 Feroz Ali, Vijay Kumar; 71 Rohtas Singh, Mukesh Kumar; 72 KPS Shekhon; 73 Indrajit Bhalotia, Arjun Atwal, Amandeep Johl; 74 Vivek Bhandari; 76 Amritinder Singh.

Debris found in Dal Lake could be from missile Pak fired during Op Sindoor

India20 min ago

Debris believed to be from a missile fired by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor in May has been found in Srinagar's Dal Lake. The debris has been handed over to the Air Force for further investigation. Sources say the target may have been a military installation in Srinagar, which is close to the lake. The make of the missile is yet to be determined.

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